Why Water?

Water is a basic human right, yet more than 700 million people worldwide—including over 400 million in sub-Saharan Africa—live without access to safe, clean drinking water. At the Nelson Family Life Foundation, our mission is to change that.

Inspired by the beauty, culture, and resilience of Africa—where the spirit of Kalahari Resorts was born—the Nelson Family is committed to giving back. We've pledged to bring clean water to 1 million people in Africa, one drop at a time. Through sustainable water solutions, we’re helping communities thrive with better health, education, and economic opportunities.

 
 
 

The Journey to One Million People

Thanks to the incredible support of our donors and partners, we’ve already made meaningful progress toward our goal. Here's what we've accomplished together:

  • $8,013,000 donated toward clean water initiatives

  • 705 water projects funded across multiple African countries

  • An estimated 199,759 people will gain access to clean, safe drinking water

Every project is a step closer to one million lives transformed.

Powered by Partnership

None of this impact would be possible without the incredible collaboration between the Nelson Family Life Foundation, Kalahari Resorts, and charity: water.

  • Kalahari Resorts brings its deep connection to Africa and a powerful platform to share this mission with millions of guests each year.

  • charity: water provides expert field knowledge, sustainable water solutions, and full transparency on every dollar spent, ensuring each donation makes a real difference.

Together, we’ve created a model that not only funds clean water projects but also uplifts communities through storytelling, cultural appreciation, and long-term sustainability.

Through this partnership, we're turning shared values into meaningful, global change—one drop at a time.

Watch this video to meet the Nelson Family and see our pledge to bring clean water to one million people in Africa.

 

1 in 10 People

Do not have access to life's most basic necessity: clean water

700+ Million

People worldwide do not have access to clean water

$50 Million

Our long-term commitment to deliver clean water to one million people.

 
 

Water Changes Everything

The Nelson family and Kalahari Resorts & Conventions have partnered with charity: water, a nonprofit organization committed to providing clean and safe water to people worldwide. Since 2006, charity: water has funded over 137,000 water projects around the world to help more than 17.4 million people gain access to clean water, hygiene, and improved sanitation. Together we are making a significant, life-changing difference for people in Africa — one million people to be exact. Learn more about how clean water changes health, education, community, and art.

 
 

Water Changes Health

Access to clean water significantly reduces the risk of waterborne diseases, decreases the likelihood of malnutrition, and promotes proper hygiene within communities — all leading to better health and bigger opportunities.

 

Water Changes Education

Access to clean water not only gives children time to attend school, it also provides a safe learning environment. With access to latrines and education about good sanitation and hygiene practices, students have the resources they need to grow into healthy adults.

 

Water Chages Community

Women and children almost solely bear the burden of collecting water for their families and communities, walking long distances to the nearest lake, river, or pond to collect unsafe water. Providing access to a reliable clean water source allows women and children the opportunity to become active community members.

 

Water Changes Art

Clean water provides more time and stability. Without the daily chore of collecting water, and the worry and strain of the health concerns that come from drinking unsafe water, people have time to explore creative outlets. Kalahari established a borehole at Chitungwiza Art Center in Zimbabwe, providing the artistic community with a reliable water source. This enables artists to sculpt awe-inspiring pieces that provide a source of income. In fact, Kalahari Resorts display millions of dollars’ worth of traditional African art throughout our authentically African-themed resorts.

You can own your own African sculpture through Sculpting the Future.

 

Be Part of the Journey

Your support fuels this mission. Whether you give once, monthly, or through a special event like the Kalahari Food & (Not Just) Wine Festival, every contribution brings us closer to the 1 million mark.

  • Make a donation

  • Sponsor a water point

  • Host a fundraiser

 
 

FAQ’s

 
 

  • Please donate by clicking on one of the “Give Clean Water” buttons on this page, or when visiting Kalahari Resorts & Conventions, round up your purchase at any shopping outlet stores.

  • A charitable endeavor from the owners of Kalahari Resorts & Conventions, Todd and Shari Nelson, and their family. Learn more about the foundation and how they are making the world a better place.

  • Kalahari Resorts and Conventions, home to America's Largest Indoor Waterparks, together with the Nelson Family Life Foundation, launched The Water Colors Life Project—an initiative created to provide clean water to communities in Africa while highlighting the remarkable talent of African artists.

    During their regular visits to Africa, the Nelson family—owners of Kalahari Resorts—were continually inspired by the beauty, culture, and spirit of the continent. Their admiration for Africa was shared with guests through every detail of the resort experience—from handcrafted artwork adorning the walls to original music throughout the property, all supporting African artists and craftspeople.

    “The culture, spirit, craft and artistry of Africa has always inspired me and my family,” said Todd Nelson, founder and CEO of Kalahari Resorts and Conventions. “We have seen firsthand how limited access to clean water has negatively impacted these African communities and knew we wanted to help.”

    The Water Colors Life Project was launched to reduce barriers to clean water for both rural villages and artists by funding borewells—simple, manual pumps that deliver sustainable, clean water. The first dozen became operational in Matopos Hills, Bulawayo, and Zimbabwe.

    Guests at all four Kalahari Resorts locations were invited to support the initiative by donating change to on-site fountains, rounding up at the point of sale, or purchasing limited-edition, campaign-themed water bottles.

    At the time of the project’s launch, more than 400 million people in sub-Saharan Africa were living in a water-scarce environment. The Nelson Family Life Foundation aimed to raise awareness of this urgent need and invite Kalahari guests and supporters to play a meaningful role in delivering clean water—and hope—to communities across Africa.

    The Nelson Family Life Foundation forged a partnership with chairty: water to drive impact and people served. This partnership began with a pledged to bring clean, safe water to 1 million people in Africa—a $50 million commitment driven by purpose.