Stella Artois and Water.org, with the support of co-founders Matt Damon and Gary White, launch "Buy a Lady a Drink" to help stop women's journeys to collect water in the developing world

NEW YORK, Jan. 22, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, with the support of Water.org and its co-founders Matt Damon and Gary White, Stella Artois launched its first global social impact campaign 'Buy a Lady a Drink' to drive awareness of the global water crisis and help provide solutions. Every day, women around the world spend a combined 200 million hours collecting clean water for their families. 'Buy a Lady a Drink' aims to help put a stop to these water-collecting journeys, so women can start new journeys of their own.

Experience the interactive multimedia release here:  http://www.multivu.com/players/English/7425551-stella-artois-water-org/ 

Stella Artois has made a donation of $1.2 million to Water.org and is now inviting consumers to join the cause by purchasing limited-edition Chalices. One Chalice will help Water.org provide five years of clean water to one person in the developing world. In the U.S., consumers can purchase one of the 20,000 exclusive Chalices for $12 at Amazon.com; all proceeds from sales of the Chalices will be donated to Water.org. Beyond purchasing a Chalice, consumers will also be able to learn more about the Stella Artois 'Buy a Lady a Drink' campaign, the partnership with Water.org and stories of women directly impacted by the global water crisis by visiting http://www.BuyALadyADrink.com.

"We're honored to be joining forces with this premier global brand that has stepped up to support Water.org and help us raise awareness of the water crisis," said Gary White, co-founder of Water.org.

"Awareness is as important as fundraising," said Water.org co-founder Matt Damon. "We want people to understand the issue in all its complexity."

The three unique and beautifully designed Chalices were inspired by traditional handcrafted objects from three of the developing countries where Water.org operates, including textiles from India, baskets from Ethiopia and pottery from Honduras. Consumers can purchase the Chalices at Amazon.com in the United States, Shop.StellaArtois.com in the United Kingdom, TheChaliceStore.com in Argentina and at the Visitor's Center at the Stella Artois brewery in Belgium.

"We are proud to join Water.org, Matt Damon and Gary White to help raise awareness of the global water crisis that affects more than 750 million people around the world, and support Water.org's efforts through donations and the sale of these stunningly-designed Chalices," said Miguel Patricio, Chief Marketing Officer, AB InBev.

"Water.org's current success shows we can make a difference in solving the water crisis," said Debora Koyama, Global Vice President, Stella Artois. "As a key ingredient in our beers, water is a natural resource Stella Artois aims to protect and preserve. We are delighted to enlist millions of Stella Artois fans around the world in this effort, as well as the iconic Stella Artois Chalice as the symbol of this campaign."

Stella Artois & 'Buy a Lady a Drink' at Sundance Film Festival

Through Stella Artois' annual sponsorship of the Sundance Film Festival, 'Buy a Lady a Drink' will formally launch on the opening night. The evening will feature an exclusive premiere of the 'Buy a Lady a Drink' campaign films, a panel conversation with Gary White, Frederick Scott, Debora Koyama, Global VP of Stella Artois and Carol Clark, Global VP of Better World, AB InBev, and a celebration to kickoff the global campaign. Additionally, the Stella Artois-branded space will feature an engaging "Water Wall," which will allow guests and partygoers to learn more about the initiative, make donations and interact with water vessels to underscore the impact that journeys have on the everyday lives of women in the developing world.

The Global Water Crisis: Captivating Films & Photography

Stella Artois and Water.org enlisted celebrated creative artists to produce captivating films and photography for the campaign, including Grammy Award-nominated directors Fred&Nick and noted photographer Chris Ozer.

Chris Ozer and Fred&Nick's Frederick Scott and Nicolas Jack Davies traveled with Water.org to India to film and photograph real stories of women who have been impacted by the water crisis, and how improved access to clean water has transformed their futures. 'Walking to Water' and 'Life With Water' offer an intimate view of the everyday challenges women in the developing world face every day, and the dramatic changes that access to clean water can make in their lives.

Chris Ozer traveled to Honduras and Ethiopia with Water.org to capture a series of 90 pure, poignant still images.

Fred&Nick also created a short film featuring Matt Damon to introduce the campaign.

All films and photography can be found on www.BuyALadyADrink.com.

Stella Artois, AB InBev and Water

Stella Artois is proudly brewed by AB InBev, the leading global brewer. 'Buy a Lady a Drink' is one program in an extensive series of water-related efforts the company has undertaken in its long-standing commitment to water conservation and protection. The company is currently spearheading a multi-year, global program to reduce water risks and improve water management, protect watersheds and reduce global water usage. Water is essential to AB InBev products, as well as to the social, economic and environmental well-being of communities where the company operates.

For more information for media, please visit http://newsroom.anheuser-busch.com/StellaArtoisBuyALadyADrink.

About Stella Artois

Stella Artois® is part of a Belgian brewing tradition dating back to 1366. It is the No. 1 Belgian beer in the world and is present in over 80 countries. Stella Artois® is a bottom filtered, blonde pilsner. It is thirst quenching with a malty middle and crisp finish delivering a full flavor and a hint of bitterness. Stella Artois® is best enjoyed served between 3 and 5 degree Celsius and should be served in the unique Stella Artois® Chalice according to the 9-Step Pouring Ritual to guarantee a perfect experience of this gold standard lager. Visit www.stellaartois.com for more information.

About Water.org

For more than 20 years, Water.org has been at the forefront of developing and delivering solutions to the global water crisis. Founded by Gary White and Matt Damon, Water.org pioneers innovative, community-driven and market-based initiatives to ensure all people have access to safe water and sanitation -- giving women hope, children health and communities a future. To date, Water.org has positively transformed the lives of more than 2 million people around the world, ensuring a better life for generations ahead. Learn more at http://water.org and www.facebook.com/water.

For more information, please contact:
Jeff Grass
[email protected] | 314-765-2126

Rosemary Gudelj
Senior Manager, Office of the CEO & Public Affairs | Water.org
[email protected] | 816-877-8461

Jen Parsons
[email protected] | 212-445-8246

SOURCE Stella Artois