Category: Charity

The WHA to stage first in person AGM

Posted on by Phillipa ClowPosted in Charity, Events, News, Press Release, UncategorisedLeave a Comment on The WHA to stage first in person AGM

We are delighted to say that we have just announced plans to hold our first in person AGM and General Meeting since the formation of the WHA in January 2020.

The event, taking place in the West Midlands on 22 September 2022, is for WHA members only.

Phillipa Atkinson-Clow, general manager of the WHA, said: “In surveys, many members name ‘networking’ as one of the benefits of WHA membership which they most value. It is therefore so pleasing to be able to hold our first face-to-face meeting for members in order to provide this aspect of our service to the industry. This is more than just an AGM. Our General Meeting is an interactive seminar and workshop, effectively, delivering information on what’s new in the sector as well as providing a forum for discussion.  Members have the opportunity to continue networking by joining in a members’ supper.”

Money raised because of the General Meeting will be donated to the Association’s chosen charity, Just a Drop. Members are being asked to make a voluntary contribution to the charity when they book to attend. The WHA is currently raising money for the industry’s 7th water source in Africa.

 

The event will be enhanced by an exhibition area where supplier members of the WHA can display new products and exhibit details of services they offer. By exhibiting they will automatically be donating to Just a Drop.

 

As well as the essential formalities of the AGM, including the election of non-executives to the Executive Council, plans will be revealed about the conference and trade show planned for March 2023 – a keenly awaited event which, like the AGM, has not taken place since the WHA’s formation.

Although this is a members-only event, non-members and potential members will have the opportunity to attend a WHA event in March 2023 for what will become the annual conference and trade show.”  Members wishing to attend the AGM and General Meeting in September need to pre-book via the general manager.

WHA funds new Just a Drop borehole in Africa

Posted on by Phillipa ClowPosted in Charity, Hydration, News, Press Release, UncategorisedLeave a Comment on WHA funds new Just a Drop borehole in Africa

 

The Water Dispenser & Hydration Association (WHA) has funded a new borehole construction project to bring safe, hygienic water to a village in Africa, by donating to the charity, Just a Drop.

The charity has used monies raised by WHA members to build a borehole that is already transforming the lives of nearly 300 people in Machilika Village in Zambia. This is the 6th such borehole programme funded by the industry.

Until now, the Machilika community’s main source of water was a well that would often run dry, forcing people to draw water from a stream using unsanitary containers. During the dry season, people had to walk up to 5 kilometres to fetch vital water – taking up to 2 hours to obtain this basic commodity. Now it takes just 20 minutes.

The water from both the stream and the well caused water-borne disease. Children were often too unwell to attend school and adults were prone to illness preventing them from earning a living.

Work on building the borehole began in June 2021 and the project management team has also installed a hand pump and provided training for the people in the village. The training includes maintenance, sanitation awareness, and financial management.

The WHA’s general manager, Philippa Atkinson-Clow, said: “We are delighted to support this cause. One of our sector’s previous associations, the BWCA, began this support programme, and when it merged with another association, EDWCA, to form the WHA I was delighted that our new Executive Council decided to carry on the good work. As a trade association, members have not only raised money through the WHA for Just a Drop but have inspired a ‘ripple effect’ with several initiating their own projects for the charity.”

Jon Wicks, WHA chairman, said: “In the UK, access to clean water is taken for granted. I am proud of our industry for responding to fund-raising challenges enabling us to build another borehole. It means that another village community is now healthier and avoid the risk of drinking contaminated water; children can spend time at school because they are sick less often and because they don’t have to collect water; and adults in the village can avoid spending so many hours every year fetching water. ‘Just a drop’ of water is so much more than just a health-giving drink: initiatives like this transform lives by increasing educational and economic opportunities and improving well-being for all. I thank our members for their generosity especially at a time when business has been challenging. I am proud of what we’ve achieved so far.”

Fiona Jeffery OBE, founder of Just a Drop, said: “We are delighted to be working with the WHA to enable more communities in Zambia to access safe water. Their support is truly making a huge difference.”

WHA & Just A Drop CSR Award Nomination and 6th Borehole

Posted on by Posted in Case Studies, Charity, Events, News, Press ReleaseLeave a Comment on WHA & Just A Drop CSR Award Nomination and 6th Borehole

 

The WHA is delighted to announce that our Charity Just a Drop, has nominated the WHA for the Corporate Social Responsibility Project of the Year at the prestigious Charity Times Awards and we have been shortlisted for the award, amongst some very well known organisations!

This recognition is really testament to the fantastic support and dedication from WHA and its Members over the last few years. Over 1,200 people across Zambia can now access safe clean water which has transformed their lives! We are over the moon that our partnership with Just a Drop is being given this recognition!

If you would like to see the full shortlist you can do so here.

The winners will be announced at an awards ceremony on the 9th September at the Marriott in Grosvenor Square.

We can also announce that the go ahead has been given for our 6th borehole in Zambia.  This will be in the Machilika Community, where 280 people will benefit from safe, clean water – transforming their lives.   Machilika is only about an hour’s drive away from the other communities WHA Members have supported – so it is enabling the area to develop hugely and is having a big societal impact.

 

During the summer, Just a Drop will begin to mobilise the community and ensure that the bylaws are in place between the community, the local government, the village leaders, and the Water User Committee.

The Community will then be trained in finance and borehole maintenance, involving:

  • How water sources become contaminated from point source to consumption
  • Variety of ways to prevent contamination
  • Practice water disinfection
  • Personal and environmental hygiene
  • Preparation of tip tap
  • Building of a pit-latrine

In September, in the dry season so that the borehole never runs dry, the drilling of the borehole will start – around 55m to hit water.

Our thanks to all those WHA Members who have made this possible.  We continue to raise funds through Just Giving and of course will be holding our long awaited Charity Auction on Thursday 17th March 2022 at the DoubleTree by Hilton in Milton Keynes during our annual event.