Cirque du Soleil founder launches water fund for poor nations

0 Comments | AFP, October, 2007

MONTREAL (AFP) — Cirque du Soleil founder Guy Laliberte unveiled Monday a new foundation that will help the world's poorest countries gain access to precious clean water.

"No one can remain indifferent when we know that at least every eight seconds, a child dies from a disease caused by drinking contaminated water," Laliberte said as he announced the One Drop foundation.

Laliberte said he would contribute 100 million Canadian dollars (104 million US) over the next 25 years to the foundation, which will fund projects to rebuild water wells and provide drinking water in poor countries.

The founder of the Montreal-based circus, which holds shows across the world, made the announcement alongside Prince Albert of Monaco, the director of international aid...