In ode to World Water Day, Gucci and CHIME FOR CHANGE unveiled a new partnership with Beyoncé and UNICEF USA to bring clean and safe water to the children of Burundi, also known as the “Heart of Africa.”  

International star and singer Beyoncé had previously launched BeyGOOD4BURUNDI in 2017, a philanthropic initiative to support programs aiming at improving water, sanitation and basic hygiene practices in the hardest-to-reach areas of the landlocked East African nation, where nearly half the population had no access to safe water. The initiative is now set to Reach 366,000 Women and Children by 2020.

With 35 wells already completed, Gucci’s $1M commitment to the project as a founding partner will help support the building of 80 additional wells. The project proves Gucci’s commitment to create positive change for girls and women around the world, through Education, Health and Justice. The endeavor will minimize the impact water has on the population, as fewer children will die from water-borne diseases, girls could go to school instead of collecting water and women could give birth in hospitals with running water. Access to water would ultimately foster equality in Burundi.

 “Gucci and CHIME FOR CHANGE are proud to stand with Beyoncé and UNICEF to help change the lives of hundreds of thousands of girls and women in Burundi. Through our commitment to BeyGood4Burundi, we continue the mission of CHIME FOR CHANGE to provide education, health and justice to girls and women globally,” said Marco Bizzarri, President and CEO of Gucci.

“This is a testament to the power of one woman’s passion and the power of partnership,” said Ivy McGregor, Director of Philanthropy and Corporate Relations at Parkwood Entertainment, which houses Beyoncé’s BeyGOOD initiative. “On World Water Day I’m delighted that our friends and partners GUCCI and CHIME FOR CHANGE also believe that ‘Water Is Life’ and are moved to action by joining forces with us. Now we will be able to help nearly half a million people have access to safe, clean water.”  

Gucci’s partnership with UNICEF, which was launched in 2005, has now raised more than $21M and reached more than 7.5 million children in Sub-Saharan Africa and Asia through UNICEF programs that focus on helping the most vulnerable children have a brighter future. CHIME FOR CHANGE co-Founders Salma Hayek Pinault and Beyoncé have made a major impact through UNICEF initiatives, such as Hayek’s appeals to support Syrian refugees in 2015 and those affected by the 7.1 magnitude earthquake that struck Mexico in 2017, as well as Beyoncé’s BEYGOOD4BURUNDI program.   

Visit Beyonce.com/beygood4burundi to support Gucci and CHIME FOR CHANGE, Beyoncé and UNICEF in empowering women, girls and families in Burundi through access to clean, safe water.