Walk for Water update

In the last edition of the WalkSmart newsletter, we included a story about the Walk for Water Challenge. Unfortunately, this article only reflected one organisation, Arup. Below is an overview of the entire event. We apologise for any confusion.

The average distance walked by women in Africa to collect water is six kilometres per day (about 7,000 steps).

With this in mind, teams from several companies across the water industry set out on a 3 week Walk for Water challenge. Participants from Yarra Valley Water, Melbourne Water, MWH, Arup and South East Water were sponsored by family and friends to reach walking goals. With WalkSmart's support, participants kept track of their progress using pedometers and a company specific website.

Participants walked to and from work as well as during lunchtimes and weekends. Many involved their families and established regular walking timeslots, which will continue to benefit their health and the environment. One participant reported that there was none happier about Walk for Water than the family dog!

In total, the event raised over$24,000. This isenough to supply about 730 people with safe water, effective sanitation and hygiene education! The money will by used by WaterAid Australia for water and sanitation projects in needy countries such as Timor-Leste and Papua New Guinea.

Thank you to all who generously raised funds and donated to Walk for Water 2008.

WaterAid Australia is an international charity dedicated to helping some of the world's poorest people escape the stranglehold of poverty and disease caused by living without safe water and sanitation. For more information, please visit: www.wateraid.org.au