Community Corner

Matt Damon Films Water Campaign Video in Playa Vista

Actor hopes to raise awareness over the lack of clean water in the developing world.

Matt Damon said he is on strike from “using the toilet” at a mock press conference on Tuesday at Youtube’s studios in Playa Vista.

He starred in the humorous video to raise awareness over the lack of adequate sanitation systems in many parts of the world. Damon co-founded the nonprofit Water.org, that aims to provide safe drinking water and plumbing to the developing world.

“Seven hundred and eighty million people, that's twice the population of the United States, lack access to clean water,” Damon said at the mock press conference. “In protest of this global tragedy, until this issue is resolved, until everyone has access to clean water and sanitation ... I will not go to the bathroom."

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Damon also filmed a vlog – a video blog – at Youtube’s Playa Vista studios to encourage people to join him in his “toilet strike” and donate to the nonprofit as well as help share its message through social media.

"Water.org's latest public awareness campaign shows how nonprofits can use video to raise awareness about important issues,” said YouTube for Good Manager Jessica Mason in a statement. “YouTube is committed to helping more nonprofits reach global audiences with important messages and is thrilled that Water.org is leading the way."

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To learn more about the campaign, visit strikewithme.org and Water.org.


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