Water workers lace up their runners for worthwhile cause

21 Mar 2022

Employees at South East Queensland’s bulk water authority, Seqwater are putting their best foot forward to support UNICEF in its endeavour to bring clean water to children living in crisis.

The Water Walk challenge has participants raise funds to support children without available access to clean water and sanitation.

Commencing in line with World Water Day on 22 March, staff within the organisation will be taking part in the WaterWalk challenge, walking 7km a day for seven days and raising funds in the process.

Among the participants was Recruitment and Sourcing Officer Tess Anderson who said she and her colleagues in the Recruitment Team were looking forward to the opportunity to raise funds and awareness for global water issues.

“The challenge itself is designed to highlight how children in vulnerable countries must walk several hours a day to find drinkable water,” Ms Anderson said.

“This is such an important health issue and it’s awful to think that people, especially children, don’t have access to something we all take for granted, like clean water.

“I thought this event linked well with Seqwater’s Water for Life vision. We are responsible for providing safe, reliable and affordable drinking water for South East Queensland and this initiative supports that same vision for other, less-privileged parts of the world.”

Ms Anderson said the challenge also offered health benefits too, inspiring participants to be active all week.

“I enjoy walking,” Ms Anderson said. “Of course, 49km in a week is going to be a stretch but I like the idea of incorporating something I already enjoy doing to raise money for vulnerable children – seems like a win-win.

“My team and I would really like to raise a good amount of money and encourage other people to take part as well.

UNICEF Australia Community Fundraising Specialist, Jenny Trigg said her organisaion was pleased to have the support of Seqwater for this year’s WaterWalk challenge.

“Clean water is essential for our survival, yet many of us take it for granted and its impact on our lives,” Ms Trigg said.

“Right now, 2.1 billion people currently lack safe access to clean water. In times of crisis, access to water is often further compromised as infrastructure is damaged and water collection becomes dangerous.

“We encourage everyone at Seqwater to get involved and walk for water so vulnerable children don’t have to."

If you would like to join the WaterWalk challenge visit the UNICEF website to sign up https://waterwalk.unicef.org.au/signup to donate to Tess visit https://waterwalk.unicef.org.au/tess-anderson