Wimbledon Foundation champions water for all through new partnership with WaterAid

WaterAid have announced a new three-year partnership with the Wimbledon Foundation, which will help transform lives in some of the world’s poorest communities through access to clean water, decent toilets and good hygiene.

The launch of the partnership coincided with World Water Day on 22 March – a day to focus global attention on the 844 million people living without clean water, which has a devastating impact on their health, education and ability to earn a living.

Established in 2013, the Wimbledon Foundation is the official charity of The All England Lawn Tennis Club and The Championships. The Foundation aims to use the resources and heritage of Wimbledon to help improve people’s lives, both in the local area and on an increasingly global scale. Accordingly, the Foundation has taken the decision to seek an international charity partner, and is delighted to have formed an agreement with WaterAid.

 The Wimbledon Foundation will donate £100,000 annually for three years to help WaterAid make clean water, decent toilets and good hygiene normal for communities in three countries: Ethiopia, Malawi and Nepal.

 Helen Parker, Wimbledon Foundation and Community Manager, said: 

“Water is vital to Wimbledon: it keeps our grass courts maintained and our competitors hydrated. However, we are well aware that not everyone is as fortunate. The basics of clean water and good sanitation are vital for health and education, enabling children to fulfil their potential. Around 800 children die each day from diseases caused by a lack of clean water and good sanitation. That is why the Wimbledon Foundation is proud to be championing water for all through our new partnership with WaterAid. We share their vision of a world where everyone everywhere has access to clean water, decent toilets and good hygiene, and as the charity of an international sporting event, we are excited to be helping transform lives across the world with our first international charity partnership.”

Beginning in 2018, the Wimbledon Foundation’s partnership with WaterAid will support its work in health centres, schools and communities in the three selected countries, empowering women and girls to be the best they can be. 

Tim Wainwright, WaterAid Chief Executive, said:

“We are delighted that the Wimbledon Foundation is supporting our goal of ensuring clean water and toilets for all by 2030. Joining forces with the charitable arm of the world’s most prestigious tennis tournament will provide much needed funds for our work in some of the poorest countries while also helping raise awareness of the urgent need to address the global water and sanitation crisis. Together, we can help entire communities break free from poverty and change their lives for good.”

Across the world, one in nine people live without clean water close by, while one in three have nowhere decent to go to the toilet at home. WaterAid works with local partners in some of the world’s poorest countries to bring lasting solutions to communities, while also working with the government to influence policy and practice.