Q and A with Lenny Kravitz on supporting the UNICEF Tap Project
We were thrilled to have a chance to talk to Lenny Kravitz—GRAMMY award-winning singer-songwriter, record producer and actor—about his involvement with UNICEF and support of the Tap Project. Here’s the transcript of our chat:
UNICEF USA: What made you decide to support UNICEF?
Lenny Kravitz: I’ve known about UNICEF since I was a child. I went to public school in New York and they used to give us the orange boxes that we would carry around on Halloween to collect money for the children. I also think it’s a wonderful opportunity to be working with an organization that reaches out to children all over the world, regardless of where they are, what their religious background is or their race. UNICEF is a classic organization that does great work.
UNICEF USA: Why are you interested in the issue of water, sanitation and hygiene?
Lenny Kravitz: If you have to break it down water is the essence of life. It all begins with water. At the very least, everybody in the world should have access to clean water; to be able to drink, to be able to clean themselves and have proper hygiene. At this point, there are more than 780 million people without that right and that is not acceptable.
UNICEF USA: How do you feel you can make an impact?
Lenny Kravitz: At the end of the day I’m just one person, but I can use the platform I have to bring this information to people to make them aware. It’s about all the people at home that are watching and listening. They are the people that can really make the difference. I hope that people will listen and understand and donate. I’m going to spread the message about clean water and sanitation to every human being that I can possibly reach. Whatever I can do and wherever I go around the world, I will be talking about this.
UNICEF USA: What is the UNICEF Tap Project all about?
Lenny Kravitz: The UNICEF Tap Project is a fundraising and awareness campaign, which is about providing clean, safe water to children around the world. During World Water Week, which is March 19 – 25, you can go to a participating restaurant, pay $1 for the tap water that you would normally drink and that $1 can provide clean water to a child for 40 days.
UNICEF USA: How can people support the UNICEF Tap Project?
Lenny Kravitz: To support the UNICEF Tap Project, I would ask that people use whatever means they have; through social media, through talking to people at work. To support World Water Week, find a restaurant that is participating in this event, pay $1 for your tap water and know that you’re giving a child clean water for 40 days. Log on, go to UNICEFTapProject.org, read about it, find out how you can get involved and how you can donate. The main thing is to get involved.
