Employees at Northumbrian Water Group are thirsty for more, once again challenging themselves to fundraise for WaterAid and support their commitment to raise £1 million for Madagascar.
While for most of us dragging ourselves through this January without the tantalising temptation of an evening tipple is tough enough, employees at Northumbrian Water Group have decided to take it one step further. They’re challenging themselves to a detox like no other – they’re drinking Just Water throughout all of January.
Northumbrian Water Group has raised over £10 million for WaterAid, through hosting events and challenging themselves, from the 40th Anniversary £40 for 40 challenge to cleaning the loos at Glastonbury. But this might be their toughest challenge yet!
Over the years, Northumbrian Water employees have put their heart and soul into raising funds for Madagascar and are dedicated to bringing communities clean water, sanitation, and improved hygiene education. This has become even more important as communities in Madagascar are now suffering a famine and are in desperate need for water and WaterAid’s help.
By taking part in Just Water, Northumbrian Water Group will be having double the impact for communities. Through WaterAid’s Thirst for Knowledge appeal, communities in Nepal will benefit from Northumbrian Water’s fundraising with clean water and decent toilets. The UK government will match public donations made between 16 November 2021 and 15 February 2022 up to £2 million, helping bring these basic essentials to 28,000 people and 30 schools in the Bardiya district of Nepal.
Louise Hunter, Corporate Affairs Director at Northumbrian Water and Chair of Northumbrian WaterAid Committee said: “We are extremely proud to continue supporting WaterAid’s fundraising efforts and are looking forward to starting the new year with this exciting challenge.
“Keeping hydrated is really important, however, access to clean water is something many of us take for granted and unfortunately, too many people still do not have access to clean drinking water. We want to make a difference, that’s why we’re committed to supporting WaterAid’s target to bring this water crisis to an end by 2030.
“I am incredibly proud of our ongoing fundraising efforts, and so far, we have raised over £10 million! There is still more work to be done, so let’s keep going and make a difference together.”
Corinne Stone, WaterAid’s Senior Community and Events Fundraising Officer, said:
“Just Water is now in it’s eighth year! We are so grateful to Northumbrian Water Group for taking part to help transform lives in Nepal and globally. We’re hoping to raise over £40,000 for our Thirst for Knowledge appeal. The money raised by our valued supporters during January will be matched by the UK Government, up to £2 million, helping to reach even more people with the gift of clean water.”
Across the world, 771 million people live without clean water close to home. More than one in five of the global population have no decent toilet, and 2.3 billion do not have access to soap and water at home to help protect themselves against the spread of diseases like Covid-19. But with clean water close to home, families can meet their basic needs and stay safe and healthy.
WaterAid is inviting people to sign up to Just Water this January, raising money by giving up all drinks other than water for a month, or longer, and giving others the gift of clean water. Please visit www.wateraid.org/justwater