Water companies join forces for WaterAid in industry first
07th November 2014
THREE water companies staged an industry first when they joined forces to raise more than £8,000 for WaterAid.
Sembcorp Bournemouth Water, Portsmouth Water and Sutton & East Surrey Water hosted a joint fundraising and networking event at Goodwood Racecourse.
More than 100 people attended the event which was sponsored by contractors and suppliers to the three water companies. The main sponsors were Gentrack, the billing and customer relationship management software specialist, and Clancy Docwra which provides construction and maintenance contractor services.
WaterAid transforms lives by improving access to safe water, hygiene and sanitation in the world’s poorest communities. A total of £8,276 was raised for the charity including £1,085 from an envelope raffle.
Races held on the special day included The WaterAid EBF Stallions Maiden Stakes; The Gentrack Velocity Stakes and The Clancy Docwra Apprentice Stakes.
Among the people attending was Rob Fuller, WaterAid's Partnerships Team Leader for the Water Industry.
He said: "This is the first time three water companies have come together to organise an event like this and raise money for WaterAid.
"It's a fantastic initiative and I congratulate everyone who made it possible. It can cost just £15 to ensure one person access to clean water, so this generous donation really can help transform lives."
Since the charity's inception more than 30 years ago, the three water companies have continually supported WaterAid by both raising money and awareness.
They are among 21 water companies and a number of committed water industry contractors and suppliers that provide vital support to help the charity improve access to safe water and sanitation across the world. Together, the UK water industry has raised more than £15m over the past year.
Staff have climbed mountains, baked cakes, rowed rivers and sung songs to raise money as well as donating thousands of pounds through the shared WaterAid lotteries.
Generous customers have also played their part by responding to the WaterAid appeal leaflets enclosed with bills and contributing more than £1 million in donations over the years.