Why Rivers on #GivingTuesday

I spent the past weekend in Yosemite National Park with my family. It was snowing, and the roaring Merced River was coming to life with the new rain and snowfall. After a long drought, the sight of fresh water flowing gave us all hope.

Yosemite Falls on November 28, 2015

That's why I'm asking my friends and family to donate to International Rivers today – to give hope. Hope to the people who need rivers to sustain their livelihoods – and hope to all of us, because in the end, we all depend on rivers.

Tuesday, December 1 is Giving Tuesday – the non-profit response to Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Essentially, it's a day to celebrate donating money to something bigger than consumerism.

This #GivingTuesday, we aim to raise 300 donations in 24 hours. If we do, artist and board member Jane Baldwin will give a $10,000 matching grant.

Your gift would mean a lot on Dec. 1 – even just $10! Every bit adds up. Why not put a little good into the world today?

The link to donate is http://intlrv.rs/GivingTues2015.

Also if you're interested in winning a $100 gift card from Patagonia, after you give:

•   Snap a photo of yourself with the name of your favorite river somewhere in the photo - written on your hand, a piece of paper, the walls - wherever!
•   Post the photo on Facebook and/or Twitter with the hashtags #InternationalRivers #GivingTuesday #unselfie.
•   The person whose photo gets the most likes will be eligible to receive a $100 gift card from Patagonia, Inc.

If you can, click a few links and throw a few dollars our way. The world's rivers will thank you!