Condé Nast Traveler has a new initiative to raise money for children whose lives are at risk because of being born in places where good health is hard to come by. The Five & Alive Fund is a way to entice readers to donate some cash. The company has stated $20,000 for the cause, but it takes others to donate for the fund to reach its potential. The partnership with Population Services International, a non-profit organization based in Washington, D.C., will channel donated money into causes like maleria prevention, treating pnemonia and dehydration, and providing safe drinking water for children ages five and under. There's monetary breakdown to give donors and idea of just how little and how far money can go.

• $10--provides an insecticide treated mosquito net in Africa
• $25 --antibiotics to treat pneumonia for 100 children
• $50--rehydration salts for 500 children in India
• $100--enough safe drinking water for 35 families in Malawi.

Also, for every new subscription to Condé Nast Traveler, the magazine will donate $5 to the fund. Since a subscription is only $12, this seems to be a terrific way to get more for your money. Also, since Population Services International is a non-profit organization, donated funds may be tax deductible. If you go to Population Services International's Web site you can find out more about what it does and the countries it serves. It's been around since 1970 and has far reaching impact--the money goes to more than just the four causes provided here. HIV and AIDS is also a concern the organization addresses.

By the way, it's not that kids over five aren't important, but statistically, if a child lives past five his or her chance of survival is greater--that's why five is picked as the magic number.

Filed under: Activism, Learning, Business, Ecotourism