Pump Aid, the international water and sanitation charity has been chosen as the UK NGO partner to Live Earth 2010. The brainchild of former US Vice President AL Gore and US Emmy award winning producer Kevin Wall, Live Earth tirelessly works to raise awareness of the significant impact of climate change through global music and fundraising events. On April 18th 2010 Live Earth returns, turning its attention and significant influence onto the global water challenge.
The Live Earth Run for Water global events on 18th April 2010 will be the single biggest fundraising effort for water causes in history. Nearly 1 billion people across the world don’t have access to clean water impacting on poverty and increasing disease – around 4000 children die every day from dirty water. More than 100 countries across the globe will participate in raising money for water causes by staging 6 kilometer running events.London and Manchester will be hosting the UK events with all the funds raised going straight to Pump Aid projects. In many places across the world, including London, this activity will culminate in a concert held which will feature international music artists and celebrities.
Kathryn Llewellyn, International Director of Pump Aid said:
“Pump Aid is proud to have been chosen as the sole UK beneficiary and partner of Live Earth 2010. We’re so excited to be involved in such an ambitious event and the global push to raise awareness of water poverty. You can give water for life to one person for as little as £5 with Pump Aid, just think what we could achieve if 14,000 people raised £500 each – we could help 3.5 million people! That’s why we are encouraging our supporters and the general public to participate in the ‘Run for Water’ challenge in either Manchester or London. All proceeds raised go directly to Pump Aid project in Zimbabwe, Malawi and Liberia, the potential is massive so please get involved”
Pump Aid Ambassador and International Musician Corinne Bailey Rae said:
“One of the most shocking facts about our modern world is almost a billion people on the planet are living without access to clean water. That’s why I support Live Earth and its 2010 Run for Water. Not only will it raise awareness globally of this dreadful injustice, it’s also raising funds for the aid agencies that are working hard to solve the problem.
“As goodwill ambassador for the charity Pump Aid I’ve seen at firsthand how a relatively small amount of money can transform the lives of rural communities in Africa. £500 is all it takes to build one of Pump Aid’s ingenious Elephant pumps which can give 250 people a continuous supply of clean and disease-free water for life. Our goal is to get at least 14,000 people in the UK taking part in Run for Water. If everyone could raise £500 in sponsorship, Pump Aid could help 3.5 million more people – that’s the size of the population of Liberia, a country that is desperate for help. What a brilliant result that would be. I hope people will be inspired to dust off their running shoes and support Live Earth and Pump Aid on 18 April.”
Hollywood Actress and Live Earth Run for Water supporter Jessica Biel said:
“Water scarcity is an issue that affects all of us and we all have a responsibility to do our part to help solve this global crisis,” said actor and Dow Live Earth Run for Water supporter Jessica Biel.
Many of the events are already open to runners, to sign up to a run near you or to organise your own Live Earth event visit www.liveearth.org
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Notes to Editors
Pump Aid works to combat the global water crisis. With the help of our innovative, cost effective and community-centred technology we establish sustainable supplies of clean water and safer sanitation provisions. Our work improves health and supports the local agriculture and economies. Pump Aid works predominantly in Malawi and Zimbabwe and we have a pilot programme in Liberia. Pump Aid has the technology and expertise to make a huge impact in more countries.
Founded by Emmy-winning producer Kevin Wall, in partnership with former U.S. Vice President Al Gore, Live Earth was built upon the belief that entertainment has the power to transcend social and cultural barriers to move the world community to action. A for-profit company, Live Earth seeks to leverage the power of entertainment through integrated events, media and the live experience to ignite a global movement aimed at solving the most critical environmental issues of our time.
The Live Earth Run for Water is the largest solutions-based initiative in history aimed at solving the world’s water crisis. Taking place on April 18, 2010, the Live Earth Run for Water will consist of a series of 6km runs/walks (the average distance many women and children walk everyday to secure water) occurring over the course of 24 hours. The events will feature live musical performances and water education activities in an effort to ignite a massive global movement to put an end to this epidemic.
For more information please contact Pump Aid Campaigns and Communications Manager, Stephen Brown on 02079227992 or stephenbrown@pumpaid.org
