Campaign proceeds will fund clean, safe drinking water for nearly 28,700 Ethiopians in need

Smile Generation® and its nationwide network of trusted dental practices recently completed a two-month fundraising campaign in support of charity: water, a non-profit organization that brings clean, safe drinking water to people in need around the world. The campaign, “Give Water, Give Health,” ran April 1 – May 31 and raised a total of $1,148,578, surpassing the initial goal by over $480,000. All funds raised go towards providing clean drinking water to vulnerable populations in Ethiopia through the construction of community-owned, sustainable, and safe water sources built to last for generations. The amount raised this year will fund clean water sources for an estimated 28,700 people in need.

Founded in 2006, charity: water has funded water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) programs for rural communities in 29 countries around the globe – in Africa, Asia, Central and South America – serving 16.9 million people. In Ethiopia, over 72 million people are living without basic access to safe drinking water. That’s 68 percent of the population in the East African country.

Smile Generation has proudly partnered with charity: water since 2009, contributing a total of over $8.6 million in donated support over 15 years. These efforts have successfully provided clean drinking water to over 275,000 individuals in need across six different countries.

“We are profoundly grateful for the unwavering commitment, collaborative spirit, and immense generosity displayed by the Smile Generation community,” stated Scott Harrison, CEO of charity: water. “Once again, they have come together, leveraging their network to provide clean water to communities in need. We extend our heartfelt thanks for their invaluable support in helping others lead prosperous and fulfilling lives.” 

Smile Generation-trusted dental practices are supported by Pacific Dental Services® (PDS), one of the country’s leading dental and medical support organizations. Smile Generation helps connect patients to trusted dentists – oral health care professionals who are dedicated to providing patients with an exceptional dental experience utilizing advanced clinical care and proven technology. It also provides helpful financial options for patients so they can afford the dental care they need and want, and education about the link between oral health and overall health, or what PDS and its supported practices call the Mouth-Body Connection®, while also working to be a force for good in the communities it serves.

“The efforts of Smile Generation-trusted practices and supporters this year have had our largest impact yet, providing clean water to over 28,000 people in Ethiopia,” said Carli Casey, Sr. Manager of Corporate Social Responsibility at PDS. “This milestone in our 15-year partnership with charity: water is a testament to our commitment to serving others. We are immensely grateful for the dedicated individuals who made this possible. Together, we are ensuring that a new generation will never know a life without water.”