Tap into WaterAid nears £20k mark

Cash raised by pubs in support of The Publican's​ chosen charity WaterAid is nearing the £20,000 mark.

In just under a year since we linked up with the charity pubs across the country have helped raise an impressive £19,161 - and we hope to be able to more than double this as the partnership continues.

Pubs such as Battlesteads in Wark on Tyne, Northumberland, are among those supporting the Tap into WaterAid initiative. This sees pubs ask customers for a donation of at least 15p for the charity whenever they order tap water, which pubs are legally obliged to provide for free.

In just six months Battlesteads have raised £620 through the initiative.

Licensee Dee Slade said: "Our customers have responded really positively to Tap into WaterAid - it's such a great idea.

"We aim to operate sustainably and can really empathise with people who don't have the basics of clean water and sanitation. I hope more pubs and hotels will feel inspired to get involved."

Other pubs that have recently made donations to the cause include the Railway, Saffron Waldon, Essex; the White Swan, Conington, Cambridgeshire, and the the Sportsman in Whitstable.

WaterAid corporate account manager Susie Henderson said: "We are so grateful for the ongoing commitment of pubs around the UK to Tap into WaterAid. Every single donation we receive enables more and more people to access clean, safe water, taking their first steps out of poverty through the provision of this basic human right, so thank you to all those taking part and helping us to transform lives."

Meanwhile the Cobra Foundation, has presented a grant for £10,000 to WaterAid. The money was raised through the sale of Cobra Beer during the 2010 National Curry Week.

WaterAid helps provide clean water and sanitation to some of the world's poorest communities.

For information on how you can get involved visit Tap into WaterAid​