09:44, 27 August 2025
Words by Cheyanne Bryan, Editorial and Campaign Marketing Executive, London
British science content creator Big Manny joins YouTube titans MrBeast and Mark Rober, for their #TeamWater, a global fundraising campaign with a bold mission: to raise $40 million (£30 million) by 31st August to bring clean water to 2 million people around the world.
YouTube titans MrBeast and Mark Rober, known for turning massive-scale ideas into real-world impact, have launched their most ambitious project to date: #TeamWater, a global fundraising campaign with a bold mission: to raise $40 million (£30 million) by 31st August to bring clean water to 2 million people around the world.
In partnership with international charity WaterAid, the #TeamWater campaign is more than a viral movement. With over 3,000 creators from 84 countries and a combined audience of over 2 billion people, the campaign is harnessing digital influence to solve one of the world’s most solvable crises: water access.
MrBeast and Mark Rober said in a joint statement: “We’ve seen the power of the internet when it rallies behind a cause, from planting trees to cleaning the oceans. Now, we’re taking on clean water, because no one should have to live without it.”
Nearly 1 in 10 people globally still lack access to clean water close to home, while millions more face daily struggles due to water scarcity, poor sanitation, and disease.
Big Manny captured the heart of the matter in an exclusive interview with Smiley News: “As a scientist, I know water is second only to oxygen for life. Everyone deserves clean water.”
He recently visited a WaterAid project in Rwanda, where he met Daniel, a young shopkeeper who has to choose between running his business and fetching water, a choice no one should have to make.
“[I worked] alongside Kenyan-Rwandan content creator Cheyenne Muvunyi, [where we] helped lay new pipes and we saw a new community water kiosk opening – so we really saw the impact that clean water has on communities.”
WaterAid brings over 40 years of expertise to the table, ensuring that every dollar donated goes to long-term, sustainable solutions, from solar-powered wells to hundreds of miles of water pipes.
In the first two weeks over £20 million was raised. Big Manny celebrates this, “It shows the huge influence that content creators have.”
With just days left to hit the $40 million goal, now is the time to act. Because when the internet joins forces for good, there’s nothing it can’t do.
To make a donation to support this lifesaving project, visit teamwater.org, or you share, or join the movement by following the campaign on instagram.
At Smiley Movement, we elevate the work of charities across the world. Here are three charities whose causes align with the themes in this post.
Wateraid. This international non-profit has one goal: to change the world through water. They work alongside communities in 22 countries, setting up entire systems that deliver clean water, decent toilets and good hygiene for millions of people. Find out more.
charity: water. This charity brings clean and safe drinking water to people in developing countries. They fund wells and filtration systems, with 100% of public donations. Find out more here.
Just a Drop. This UK-based charity provides clean water, sanitation, and hygiene education to communities in need. Support them here.
This article aligns with the SDG Clean Water and Sanitation.
Photo credits: WaterAid/ Lee-Ann Olwage and WaterAid/ Tracy Keza
