WaterAid fund hits £20,000 mark
Readers of The Publican have helped raise a staggering £21,014 in our link up with the charity WaterAid.
Over the past 12 months pubs have signed up to our Tap into WaterAid initiative and put on a host of events to support the charity that provides clean water and sanitation to some of the world's poorest communities.
The link-up was formed from a piece of government legislation that now means pubs must provide free tap water to customers when asked.
Tap into WaterAid encourages licensees to ask for a donation of at least 15p every time tap water is ordered at the bar or with meals.
The fund has also been boosted by efforts up and down the country with pubs - and indeed The Publican - hosting a range of events.
One of the latest saw the John Barleycorn in Duxford, Cambridgeshire, raise £400 with a 'wine into water' event.
Andrew Cook, director of communications and fundraising at WaterAid, said: "The Publican's support for WaterAid has been greatly appreciated, and we have seen an amazing increase in support from across the pub industry as a result.
"Funds raised through The Publican alone exceed £20,000, enough to help WaterAid transform the lives of over 1,300 people by improving access to safe water, sanitation and hygiene.
"All involved should feel really proud and confident that their efforts are making a real difference to people's lives."
Matt Eley, The Publican's acting editor, added: "The Tap into WaterAid link up has been a hugely rewarding experience for everyone involved. It just goes to show the fantastic work that pubs do day in, day out across the country."
And now two Publican members of staff will be doing their bit WaterAid by running (or crawling) the London Marathon this month. Deputy news editor James Wilmore and marketing manager Laura Bowyer will be strutting their stuff round the 26.2 mile course on April 17.
Both are still looking for sponsorship money if you want to support a good cause. Click to support James Wilmoreand Laura Bowyer
Tapping in highlights
• April 2010 - Publican launches campaign as Mandatory Code makes it law to provide free tap water in pubs
• Later that month nearly £5,000 is raised by guests at The Publican Awards
• May - SA Brains of Cardiff and Bedford-based Charles Wells Pub Company sign up
• June - Barter Inns joins the cause
• July - Proud of Pubs Week - boosted by sales of Proud of Pubs Summer Ale - brings in more than £2,500
• October - The Publican Pub Quiz raises nearly £4,000
