Tomorrow is my birthday, and it’s one of those big ones: I’m turning 40!
Life’s been so busy lately—with blogging, three kids, my photographic obsession, and the other organizations I give time to—so I’ve not had a lot of time to ponder what being 40 years of age really means (or what shape my mid life crisis should take … I’m open to suggestions).
Image courtesy stock.xchng user kwod
However I do feel very fortunate on many levels and I’ve been wanting to use this little milestone to do something special.
So I’ve decided to give my birthday to Charity Water.
Our world is facing a crisis around the issue of water—something we all need, and which most of us living in developed countries take for granted.
Yet for around a billion people water is something that they’re constantly thinking about—in fact, their lives revolve around the logistics of getting it for their family.
Millions who are unable to access clean water simply don’t make it to their fifth birthday.
It’s a massive problem with many complexities that make my head spin, but my hope is that this birthday we can do something small to make a difference.
If you’d like to join me in tackling the problem and/or you’d like to celebrate my birthday tomorrow I’ve set up a Charity Water page to do just that. I’d love to raise $5000 (although I’ve probably left promoting this a little late) but really anything we can raise would be fantastic.
I know not everyone is in a position to give as much as $40—or anything at all—but if you are, I’d greatly appreciate it. If not, please spread the word or consider pledging your own birthday to tackle the issue.
Darren it is very giving of you to help others on your birthday. It shows how much you have a giving heart. We need more selfless people like you in the world to be willing to help others and shine a light on these issues in the world. You are wonderful to do this. I hope you can help many people through this charity and giving your birthday to this cause. Excellent idea ッ
Happy Birthday Darren. Rock on for not making your birthday all about you, but instead focusing on those in need. I will help spread the word too. :)
Happy Birthday!
Happy 40th — I too just hit this `milestone` birthday. Kudos to you for bring everyone`s attention to the issue of access to clean water. It`s something we all take for granted.
Happy Birthday Darren!
Admire that you’re focusing on others, and something that is such a world crisis.
Fret not. 40 isn’t bad at all – but life doesn’t really begin until 50 – honest!
Happy Birthday Darren. May your life be peaceful and full of happiness. I admire your generosity.
Happy Birthday! What a wonderful way to celebrate and give to others. I would love to do this for my birthday in August as you have inspired me:) I hope you have a wonderful day and enjoy! After all 40 is the new 30:)
Happy Birthday Darren. I am a bit fan of you. I have learn a lot and you are my inspiration in blogging. Now I also see a good thing of your charity.
All my best wish to you and your family.
What you are doing has a profound effect on people, at least I think it does.
I often make pronouncements at our family dinner table (my wife and I have 6 children from 16 to 4) – that we are so fortunate to sit down to a beautiful meal every evening under a non-leaky roof. I remind them that we cannot take for granted our fortune in life and a lot is expected of them to help others less fortunate.
May you continue your good work and, more importantly, that others are inspired to do good for the less well off.
Happy Birthday Darren.
Happy birthday Darren A simple celebration, a gathering of friends; we here we are wishing you great happiness, a joy that never ends. Life begins at 40, anyway you have a better year.
Happy Birthday Mr. Darren! However I’m not in a stage of donating any amount as I’m just a collage student working online. I can only give my thousands of wishes on your Birthday and I guess that’s important?
Happy Birthday Darren, I’m one the old reader of ProBlogger, But I leaved very few comments in your blog posts. I’m writing this comment just to wish you very happy birthday.
Happy Birthday Darren.
Hey, happy birthday you, young thing.
Great initiative and very generous of you.
I had the pleasure of visiting the Charity Water offices in New York last year and hearing all about the organisation and their good work. Very inspiring. Great work and awesome marketers too.
And, again, happy birthday and thanks for all you give, not only tomorrow, but daily.
Suzi
Happy Birthday to You!
Happy Birthday Darren…Pinning you as My Favorite bloggers
Happy Birthday! I’d like to tell you it’s all gravy after 40 but I’d be lying. LOL.
Happy Birthday!
Happy Birthday… That’s really very GREAT you are taking a good step for charity…
Happy birthday Darren. Don’t worry about the #40, you will not notice any difference. I know because of your kind and unselfish heart you will achieve your birthday goal. Blessings!!
Hey! Skip the mid-life crisis – not worth it ;-) Great way to celebrate your birthday. Have a happy birthday! Off to share your birthday blessings. And, *meh* – 40 is FUN and there are a lot of fun moments after that, too! Keep on, keeping on!
Happy bday to u
Happy birthday Darren.
Happy Birthday @Darren.
40 is the new 30. Welcome to the Club :-).
Happy Birthday!!!
You don’t need to worry about getting older, you should be happy for that!!! keep smiling and always be happy!!!
Happy Birthday Darren
Started my new blog and reading your articles daily. You blog got awesome tips.
Happy birthday, Darren! The 40s are pretty awesome, imo. :)
Happy Birthday Darren. You’ve been a great inspiration to me – even when I came online, your expert advice helped me a lot and today, I’m a better blogger. More years ahead and plenty properties. Hahaha!
Happy Birthday and well done on the useful birthday wish. I just went to a wedding that did a similar act of awesome and asked for donations rather than gifts. People always surprise me.
Happy Birthday Darren, You are really awesome not because of only this blog but also about your family. You always mention about your kids, which shows your love towards them. I hope you will have pretty journey so far and Keep rocking.
Once again Happy Birthday!
Happy 40th bday Darren.!
You r such a Wonderful person!
Happy 40th! That’s a great idea to give your birthday to charity. Giving away your would-be Christmas gifts to charity is somewhat commonplace, but the birthday idea is a new one for me. I like it. Enjoy your day!
Happy Birthday! your 40th, appreciate the way you celebrate your birthday and this is the new way I learnt to celebrate my next birthday. I didn’t like to see my birthday comes but by doing this I can either happy with helping others and myself.
Hope your $500 goal will achieve tomorrow – Ferb