The WaterAid Northern Ireland Committee has announced that a record-breaking £118,000 profit was raised at the “Back to the 80s” Charity Ball, held recently at the iconic Titanic Belfast. All funds raised will help fund a crucial WaterAid project in Rwanda, working alongside local communities to increase access to water, improve sanitation services and promote good hygiene practices.
International charity WaterAid has reported that in Rwanda, 45% of people do not have access to basic water services, 59% cannot access basic sanitation and 88% do not have access to handwashing facilities with safe water and soap.
Funds raised at the event will support the “Flowing Futures” project, which is a continuation of WaterAid’s programme to achieve universal access to water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) in the district of Bugesera in Rwanda. Bugesera, a district in the south-east, is a key focus area in the government’s plans to improve water and sanitation services to influence wider change.
Top broadcaster and host Rebecca McKinney from Cool FM took guests back to the fabulous 80s on the night for nostalgia, entertainment and top prizes, including a holiday for two to Amsterdam.
This year’s Platinum sponsor was the Kinnegar & Sydenham One Team – comprising Farrans Construction, TES-CAW JV and AECOM who have been working collaboratively with NI Water to develop solutions for the delivery of a modern new Pumping Station at Sydenham and the extensive upgrade of Kinnegar Wastewater Treatment Works.
Gold sponsors: Morrow Contracts, Farrans Construction, BSG, McAdam, GEDA, GRAHAM, MWH Treatment, AtkinsRealis.
Silver sponsors: Meridian Utilities, Water Solutions Ireland, Echo Managed Services, DLJ Water and CivCo.
Sara Venning WaterAid NI President and CEO of NI Water said:
“We are delighted to announce that our local Committee has raised a record breaking £118,000 for WaterAid, supporting the organisation to transform lives across the globe, and we would like to say a huge thank you to all our sponsors and supporters of this year’s ball, with special thanks to our Platinum sponsor – the “Kinnegar & Sydenham One Team.
“Some of the statistics are staggering and it’s hard to believe that in Rwanda, almost half of people do not have access to basic water services. Thanks to the support of our sponsors and continued efforts of our fundraising committee, the event really goes from strength to strength, and we are proud to help WaterAid make a real difference to communities in Rwanda.”
