Green Cross International (GCI) and Giorgio Armani are partnering to promote access to safe drinking water through GCI’s Smart Water for Green Schools project in Ghana. A comprehensive support and solidarity network has been devised around Acqua di Gio and Acqua di Gioia, two of Giorgio Armani’s fragrances. As of 1 March 2011, every bottle sold will help provide access to drinking water for children and their communities. The participants will then be invited, through a personal code indicated on the outer carton of the chosen fragrance, to extend their action online.
“The cooperation between Green Cross International and Giorgio Armani is an innovative partnership model. This is not another ‘feel good’ campaign but a practical step to help make the Right to Water a reality. It is a pleasure to welcome Giorgio Armani as our partner on this important mission” said Alexander Likhotal, President of Green Cross International.
“Water is such a simple word, but like all simple words it has a profound significance because where there is safe water, there is life, energy, wellbeing, a serene encounter with nature, and a marvelous sense of freshness ” said Giorgio Armani.
Access to drinking water is the basis for everything. Yet safe drinking water is one of today’s key challenges. One out of six people on the planet does not have sufficient access to safe drinking water. Globally, diarrhoea is the leading cause of illness and death.
The Acqua for Life Challenge 2011 will support the expansion of Smart Water for Green Schools to more communities in Ghana where about 40% of the rural population still lacks access to safe drinking water. Through the Smart Water for Green Schools project Green Cross International builds rainwater harvesting systems for schools, builds and maintains boreholes and wells to provide safe drinking water for the community. With better access to safe drinking water for drinking, school enrolment and attendance, especially amongst girls is also improved.
About Green Cross Ghana
Green Cross Ghana is the Ghanaian national affiliate of Green Cross International (GCI), a leading environmental organization founded by President Mikhail Gorbachev in 1993. Founded by Mubarick Masawudu in 2009, Green Cross Ghana is a non-profit and non-governmental organization that works to address the inter-connected global challenges of security, poverty and environmental degradation through a combination of high-level advocacy and local projects. Its flagship project is Smart Water for Green Schools in the Volta River Basin, ensuring access to safe water for students, teachers and community members through the establishment of rainwater harvesting systems, sanitation and water education. For more information about Green Cross Ghana, visit www.gcint.org and follow GCI on twitter @GreenCrossInt.
About Armani
The Armani Group is one of the leading fashion and luxury goods groups in the world today, with over 5,000 direct employees and 13 factories. It designs, manufactures, distributes and retails fashion and lifestyle products, including apparel, accessories, fragrances and cosmetics, eyewear, watches, jewellery and home furnishings, under a range of brand names: Giorgio Armani Priv?, Giorgio Armani, Emporio Armani, Armani Collezioni, AJ | Armani Jeans, Giorgio Armani Cosmetics, A/X Armani Exchange, Armani Junior, Armani Baby, and Armani Casa. For further information: www.armani.com and http://www.press-acquaforlife.com/
For interview requests, photos or more information, please contact:
Mubarick Masawudu
President, Green Cross Ghana
mubarick.masawudu@greencrossghana.org
+233 267 763 036
Michelle Laug
Communications Executive, Green Cross International
michelle.laug@gci.ch
+41 22 789 0817