Cash and carry event raises £4,300 for WaterAid

28th November 2014

Local businesses joined forces with South West Water to raise money for WaterAid at Meldon reservoir this week.

Twenty-eight volunteers walked the length of the reservoir on 25 November to fill containers with 20 litres (20kg) of water from the stream before carrying them back - a journey of about three miles. 

The challenge reflected the daily burden faced by millions of women and girls as young as eight, across the world, who make similar trips every single day, carrying water on their heads weighing up to 20kg - the same as the average UK airport baggage allowance.

The event was started by the Mayor of West Devon, Christine Marsh, who also took part dressed as a toilet.

Tea, coffee, hot dogs and cakes were provided at Meldon village hall where Roger Full of Interserve Construction Services gave a talk about his recent WaterAid Supporters visit to Uganda. 

A total of £4,300 was raised by the 34 companies, all South West Water suppliers, who supported the event. All the money will be used by WaterAid to provide safe water, hygiene and sanitation in Monze, a province of Zambia.

Last year, South West Water customers and staff helped raise an amazing £89,267 for WaterAid, which is enough to transform the lives of around 6,000 people through improved access to safe, clean water.

The event was organised by H₅O, South West Water's engineering delivery alliance.

Andy Woolston, from H₅O, said: "By completing this challenge, we hope to raise awareness of the 748 million people who lack access to safe, clean water and sanitation as well as raising as much money as possible to help WaterAid address this injustice." 

Vanessa Ashton, Water Industry Partnerships Manager at WaterAid, said: "We're very grateful for the support from South West Water and the H₅O alliance.

"Gaining access to basic necessities really does transform lives; improving health, education and livelihoods and forming the first, essential step in overcoming poverty. The amazing support we receive is vital as we work towards a world where everyone, everywhere has clean water to drink and a safe place to go to the toilet."

Notes for editors

• South West Water is one of 21 water companies and a number of committed water industry contractors and suppliers that continue to provide vital support to WaterAid
• Last year, South West Water customers and staff helped raise an amazing £89,267 for WaterAid, which is enough to transform the lives of around 6,000 people through improved access to safe, clean water.
• For more information, about WaterAid visit www.wateraid.org

Published: 28 November 2014