Between the 9th– 15th of March, MWH staff from across Australia pledged to walk 10,000 steps a day in support of WaterAid’s Walk4Water. 10,000 steps is the average distance walked every day just to reach water in the developing world. When you Walk4Water, the funds you raise go towards the supply of safe water and sanitation for people in 27 of the poorest countries around the world where WaterAid Works.
As walkers clipped on their pedometers every morning, each office showed their support through fundraising events and initiatives such as morning teas in Perth, Gold coin donations at Friday drinks in Brisbane and lunchtime walks in Melbourne. Participant’s progress was displayed on each state’s Walk4Water leader board, creating a bit of healthy competition and encouraging individuals to reach their fundraising and distance targets.
Friendly competition among the MWH offices in Australia to raise funds for Walk4Water.
As Walk4Water came to a close, it was very close between the state teams, with Melbourne making an impressive come back in the last couple of days with a total of $2330 raised and the QLD team leading the way with a total of $2377 raised for WaterAid. However, it wasn’t all about bragging rights for our walkers – with each step they were changing people’s lives through helping WaterAid provide safe water and sanitation. People like Anna from Papua New Guinea who before a tap was installed in their village had to walk 2-3 hours each day just for a bucket of water.
Overall, MWH raised a fantastic $ 5922 across Australia. With $1,255 being able to provide a rainwater-harvesting tank for a community in Papua New Guinea – imagine what impact these funds could make to lift people out of poverty. Helping WaterAid provide water and sanitation in these communities has many positive flow on effects, allowing more time for education, family time and improving livelihoods. MWH in Australia will be supporting this worthwhile event again next year! For more information please visit http://www.walk4water.com.au/.
