NI Water is proud to lead the local WaterAid NI Committee and is celebrating over 38 years of fundraising in Northern Ireland this year! This World Water Day (22nd March), we are calling on other local organisations to get involved in supporting this fantastic charity. The local Committee raises over £60,000 each year, which in recent years has been dedicated to WaterAid’s Deliver Life* project in Malawi, which aims to improve the health of women, girls and children by providing access to clean water, decent sanitation and good hygiene in their communities.
Sara Venning – WaterAid NI President and CEO of NI Water said:
“It’s hard to believe that one in ten people worldwide don’t have a reliable source of clean water close to home and more than one in five don’t have a decent toilet of their own.
“Alongside our industry partners, NI Water is proud to lead the local WaterAid NI Committee and we welcome any local business getting involved with the charity’s work, which we’ve found brings tremendous benefits in terms of fundraising and networking opportunities with our industry partners and beyond.
“We are looking forward to hosting fundraising events this year, including our World Water Day walk for local schools at Silent Valley, Night at the Races in April, WaterAid Mourne Wall Walk in May and the WaterAid Ball in November!
“All funds raised from events this year will support the Deliver Life project in Malawi, which aims to improve access to clean water, decent toilets and good hygiene for mothers, girls and children in the Southern Region of Malawi.”
Cyclone Freddy is currently causing catastrophic flooding in Malawi where there is already a serious cholera outbreak – creating an acute risk of exacerbating spread of the diseases. In its path, Cyclone Freddy has brought increased flooding and damage to water and sanitation infrastructure heightening the risk of current outbreaks spreading further. As of 13 March 2023, Malawi’s total confirmed cases were at 53,464 with 1,643 total deaths.
Some areas have escaped those higher numbers of cholera cases, partly due to recent investment in improving water, sanitation and hygiene facilities, thanks to WaterAid Northern Ireland’s fundraising and Scottish Government International Development funding.
Francis Nthonga, Medical Technician for Kawinga Heath Care Facility in Machinga District Malawi, said:
“We received aid from WaterAid for the construction of toilets and a water supply system which has been very crucial in the containment of this [cholera outbreak] because patients are able to wash, where previously they used to go to the river. There would have been chaos if that was the same case today.”
That’s why our partnership with WaterAid is so important. Basic human rights such as safe drinking water, clean water and soap for handwashing, decent toilets and the ability to shower after giving birth are now a reality at Kawinga.
NI Water supports WaterAid’s vision of a world where everyone, everywhere has access to clean water, decent sanitation and good hygiene. These essentials keep people safe and healthy.
If you would like to get involved in local fundraising events or wish to nominate the charity for your own corporate event, please email SNI@wateraid.org for more information. Diary dates coming up for events organised by the local committee are: 27th April – Night at the Races at the McDonald Centre, Vincent Street Belfast and the Mourne Wall Walk on the 19th May.
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