More than a drop in the ocean
| Published: 18th July 2007 09:57 |
It turned out to be more than a drop in the ocean when an officer at West Somerset Council donated an unclaimed £20 gift voucher to the charity WaterAid.
Receptionist Helen Whiteley had the idea of raffling the voucher in the WaterAid offices, and more than doubled its value by raising £41.60.
"Since it costs WaterAid just £15 to provide a person with a lasting supply of safe water, the money raised means we can help nearly three more people gain access to these vital services," said Sarina Jesudason, WaterAid's Community Fundraiser.
"Our projects involve the beneficiary community at every stage from design and construction to maintenance and repair. Women in particular are trained as engineers and hygiene teachers, elevating their position in society and emphasising their importance as water providers."
Dave Alford, the Environmental Health Practitioner at West Somerset Council whose idea it was to donate the voucher to WaterAid, commented, "It's awesome how such a small sum of money can have such a huge impact on the lives of people in the poorer parts of the world, so we're very pleased that the unclaimed voucher has been turned into cash and will be put to such good use."
Zeinabu Kayisi is the Chair Person of the Water Committee in a village that was chosen by WaterAid to have the first ever hand pump installed in the Salima district of Malawi. She said, "I had four children die and have only one son left, I didn't have the time then to spend with my children but now clean water has given me more time because we're not so sick anymore.
"Now, too, some villagers are able to better their lives by selling doughnuts and dried fish. I sell samosas and fish, which is helping me to be independent and strong - just as being able to maintain the pump myself makes me feel independent and strong."
Deputy Leader and Staffing Portfolio Holder, Cllr Simon Stokes, said, "As an environmental health practitioner, David knows just how important a clean and healthy water supply is. In this country, we are in the much more fortunate position of having access to sufficient good quality water. By sharing an unclaimed voucher, David's shown just how thoughtful and resourceful our officers can be."
For more information on Wateraid
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