United Utilities

The star prize at the 2004 ball.

United Utilities Plc has been an active supporter of WaterAid since 1982. Investing in and working with the community to make a positive difference is at the heart of United Utilities' business.

This commitment was demonstrated recently when United Utilities invited community groups from all over the North West to a 25th birthday celebration dinner and awards ceremony to celebrate 25 years of fundraising for WaterAid. Groups who made an outstanding contribution received framed photographs illustrating WaterAid's work in Malawi as recognition of their achievement. 

The 25th birthday celebration was not the first occasion to mark the success of fundraising in the region. By March 2004 supporters of WaterAid in the North West had raised over £5 million for WaterAid. This achievement was marked by the signing of an official partnership agreement to formally endorse the longstanding relationship with a reception at the House of Commons.

United Utilities Chief Executive, John Roberts, says:

"WaterAid has carried out an incredible amount of work in the world's developing countries which has had real results in saving and improving lives. By becoming an official partner we are committing to carry on this work."

In November 2005 United Utilities hosted its fifth annual WaterAid Ball raising an amazing £120,000 for WaterAid. The Midland Hotel in Manchester, hosted the fantastic Grease-themed evening, complete with the Pink Ladies.

The WaterAid committee at United Utilities work hard to produce a wide ranging annual fundraising calendar. Events include golf days, fishing competitions, five-aside tournaments, race days and an annual ball. For a full list of upcoming events please visit the events near you page.

The United Utilities committee are also instrumental in organising this year's WaterAid Corbett Challenge. The aim of the challenge is to put a team of walkers on top of all 110 mountains in England and Wales over 2,500 feet between 12 noon and 2pm on 16 September. For further information, please visit www.wateraidcorbettchallenge.org.uk.

United Utilities' commitment to WaterAid was recently highlighted by the formation of a new fundraising group, the United Utilities WaterAid Young People's Group. This group has been very active so far in supporting existing events and organising an 'It's a Knock Out' tournament in May. 

Ben Caulfield, a founding member of this group visited WaterAid's work in Burkina Faso in February 2006. Ben is on the panel of WaterAid's United Utilities speakers in the North West. Many of these experienced speakers have visited WaterAid projects, and are more than happy to share their knowledge.

If you would like a WaterAid speaker from United Utilities to speak to your organisation, please email Jan Potter or phone 01925 233459 for more details.