Bringing to life the concept behind the heart-warming film Millions, a total of $80,000 has been raised to date for clean water for the people of developing countries. The funds were raised through "Millions in Pennies," a groundbreaking partnership between WaterAid, Fox Searchlight Pictures and the nation's leading theatre chains, which positioned Millions-themed change receptacles in 60 cities in Regal, Loews, Landmark, Laemmle, Century, Clearview and Pacific Theatre chains along with other chains and independent theatres across the country. The fundraiser began on World Water Day, March 22, and ends on Earth Day, April 22.
On April 17, a check for the funds raised was given to WaterAid by Millions producer Andrew Hauptman at the 5th Annual WorldFest in Los Angeles. Said Emily Boyd-Carpenter, Director of WaterAid, "Thanks to the efforts of Fox Searchlight, the theatre chains and all the people who contributed, we will be able to save 3,200 lives. Additionally, we are delighted that Millions has helped raise awareness about WaterAid and the needs of developing countries," said Fox Searchlight Pictures President of Distribution Steve Gilula. "We are thrilled that Millions has inspired such partnership and philanthropy. And we are grateful to have had the opportunity to share it with our audiences and to facilitate the wonderful generosity and goodwill that it has encouraged."
WaterAid is an international charity dedicated exclusively to the provision of safe domestic water, sanitation and hygiene education to the world's poorest people. These basic services are essential to life; without them vulnerable communities are trapped in the stranglehold of disease and poverty. WaterAid works by helping local organizations set up low cost, sustainable projects using technology that can be managed by the community itself. WaterAid projects cost just $25 a person, for life. WaterAid also seeks to influence the policies of other key organizations, such as governments, to secure and protect the right of poor people to safe, affordable water and sanitation services. WaterAid is independent and relies heavily on voluntary support.
Source: Fox Searchlight Pictures
