Starbucks Walk Points Up Water Crisis

Starbucks Coffee Company through its Ethos water brand invites Starbucks partners (employees), UNICEF, members of the local Water for People chapter, local Rotary groups, and customers in New York City to participate in a "Walk for Water" starting at noon on Wednesday, March 22.

The walk will start and end at the gazebo at Dag Hammarskjold Plaza, 47th Street and 2nd Avenue, Manhattan. Beginning on Second Avenue, walkers will journey to 30th Street, proceed along to Third Avenue, turn on 55th Street and loop back to Dag Hammarskjold Plaza at 47th Street.

The "Walk for Water" symbolizes the difficult average three-mile daily journey that women and children in developing countries must undertake as part of their struggle to get drinking water for their families.

Individuals interested in participating may pre-register online at www.worldwaterday2006. org or through www.ethoswater.com. All participants will receive a complimentary hat (while supplies last) and bottle of Ethos water.

Starbucks has a long history of integrating a social conscience into all aspects of its business. In April 2005, the company acquired Ethos water, a bottled water company whose mission it is to help children around the world get clean water by supporting water programs in developing countries. The "Walk for Water" on World Water Day is just one example of Starbucks'and Ethos'longterm commitment to raise awareness