RTE Meetings and Events portfolio backs Just a Drop appeal – support after initial relief period vitalClean water charity Just a Drop is appealing to the meetings and events industry to raise funds to supply clean safe water to Haiti following the recent disaster. As emergency relief agencies continue to get the essential supplies through that are needed in the immediate aftermath of the earthquake, Just a Drop is calling for donations to provide ongoing support for villages and communities.
Following the natural disaster, thousands of people have died without access to clean, safe water supplies, while 50% of people currently in hospitals in Haiti are there due to dirty water. Just a Drop will send in teams as soon as the initial relief period is over to help rebuild water and sanitation infrastructure and encourage displaced communities back to their villages and homes.
Craig Moyes, recently appointed Group Exhibition Director, RTE Global Meetings and Events Portfolio said: “Whether it is for business or pleasure the very nature of the meetings sector is that it brings people together from across the world. We have a real opportunity to make a difference to those who desperately require fresh water to survive. I urge everyone to lend their support to this cause and to a country that needs our help and support.”
Fiona Jeffery, founder and chairman of Just a Drop and chairman of World Travel Market, said: “With all disasters of this kind, water shortage is a major problem and fresh supplies are being urgently dispatched to the island. But once immediate needs are met, it is vital that support is ongoing so that the recovery process is sustained.
“This means ensuring displaced communities are encouraged back their homes, villages and schools by rebuilding the water and sanitation infrastructure. Clean, fresh water is a life-giving commodity and the charity has a vital role to play. I urge everyone to lend their support because every little bit adds up to making a huge difference. That way people can start taking charge of their own lives again through agriculture, employment and education. In doing so their overall pride and sense of well being will be restored.”
Carol Hay Caribbean Tourism Organisation director of marketing for UK and Europe said: “Just a Drop’s commitment to Haiti at a time of such urgent need is incredibly valuable. On behalf of the Caribbean Tourism Organisation we would like to thank Just a Drop for fundraising for urgent water supplies and sanitation needs. Long after the headlines have gone Haiti will need our support and I would like to thank everyone in the industry who will work with Just a Drop to help us work towards recovery.”
In over ten years Just a Drop has helped more than one million children and their families from 29 countries building protected wells, installing piping and providing sanitation, including successful missions following the 2004 Tsunami and Hurricane Mitch in Grenada in 1998. After these disasters occurred, the international water charity ran appeals to raise funds to rebuild sustainable water supplies and encouraged displaced communities to return home.
There are many ways to donate money to Just a Drop. Companies wishing to support the Appeal can either submit donations online via Just a Drop’s website www.justadrop.org, or send cheques made payable to Just a Drop, to the attention of Ana Sustelo – Just a Drop Co-Ordinator Gateway House, 28 The Quadrant, Richmond TW9 1DN. Alternatively to make a BACS transfer, please contact Nikki Davis on the email address below.
To learn more about Just a Drop’s work please visit www.justadrop.org
Contacts:
If you would like to run an event to raise money for Just a Drop’s projects, please contact Nikki Davis, on:
Phone: +44 (0)20 8910 7981 Email: nikki.davis@reedexpo.co.uk
