New Web Site Strengthening Effort to Fight Global Water Crisis

RALEIGH, N.C. (October 14, 2006) — There is a saying in Africa, “Maji ni Uhai,” Swahili for “Water is Life.” Millions around the world die every year from diseases attributed to dirty water, claiming the lives of an estimated 4,500 children everyday. After completing a major water project for a school in Uganda, The Global Water Foundation (GWF), has launched www.globalwaterfoundation.org to enhance its mammoth fundraising and awareness drive to overcome what the United Nations has called one of the world’s gravest threats to human life.

“This Web site is vital to our efforts to raise funds and establish relationships with our supporters,” said Johan Kriek, international tennis star and founder of the GWF. “Visitors to the site have the opportunity to learn about one of the world’s biggest health threats to date and contribute to the cause.”

4What Interactive www.4what.com created GWF’s Web site choosing to deliver a unified product that blends a streamlined fundraising vehicle with vital information about a problem that affects an estimated 2.3 billion people worldwide. Included on the site is a video testimonial from Kriek, who presents a call to action for supporters.

“An online presence is vital to the success of any organization,” said Jim Cossetta, president of 4What, who did the work pro bono for the GWF. “I took a personal interest in this project because of its incredible potential to help millions.”

Cossetta worked with the Premier Management Group (PMG) www.pmgsports.com to set up an online donation center and virtual store offering Global Water Foundation apparel. A “Maji ni Uhai” slogan, appearing above its English translation, will join the GWF logo on shirts, hats, sweatshirts and other products. Proceeds from sales will go directly to the Foundation. Future plans are also underway to introduce GWF bracelets, a popular retail item connected to other philanthropic causes as a way to raise funds and increase awareness. PMG is a major national sports management agency representing a number of Olympic medal swimmers and other star athletes who are already pledging their support to the GWF.

“What better way to pump up a cause then to get people involved through what they’re wearing,” said Jay Wisse, senior VP for PMG. “This is about using the Internet as a rallying point and bringing people together from around the world for a worthy cause.”

The latest GWF project will bring clean water to an estimated 5,000 in the Kamuli school district, located in the southeastern part of Uganda. The project is part of a larger program designed to bring hygiene education to schools across Africa.

About the Global Water Foundation
The Global Water Foundation was established as a charitable trust with the exclusive purpose of raising public awareness, providing technical assistance, supporting knowledge sharing, enabling technical innovation and research, and facilitating the provision of humanitarian aid throughout the developing world. The ultimate goal is to provide safe, healthy drinking water and adequate sanitation in areas where it is not available or where accessibility and supply have been compromised. For more information, visit www.globalwaterfoundation.org.