Charity bottled water funding clean water for people in Africa
11th May 2009
Animal lovers help to save lives of people in Africa
Chester Zoo has a worldwide reputation for its conservation work with endangered animals like the black rhino from Africa. And now it is also helping people in some of the poorest countries in Africa who are dying unnecessarily simply because they do not have access to clean drinking water.
Zoo employees and visitors have already paid for 12 simple and cost-effective water pumps to be 
installed in rural Zimbabwe through the sale of Thirsty Planet bottled water in cafes and refreshment kiosks on the site. For every bottle sold a donation of 5p is made to Thirsty Planet’s charity partner, Pump Aid, which helps impoverished communities gain access to clean drinking water and adequate sanitation.
installed in rural Zimbabwe through the sale of Thirsty Planet bottled water in cafes and refreshment kiosks on the site. For every bottle sold a donation of 5p is made to Thirsty Planet’s charity partner, Pump Aid, which helps impoverished communities gain access to clean drinking water and adequate sanitation. Each pump will give a community of more than 500 people sustainable supplies of water for drinking, washing and irrigation of vegetable plots at a cost of £250 for materials. It also frees women from the chore of having to collect water which on average takes five hours a day.
As water and sanitation systems break down in Zimbabwe, people have no alternative but to take water from polluted sources which has caused an epidemic of deadly cholera. Thousands have suffered serious illness and more than 4,000 people have died.
“There’s never been a more urgent need for clean water in Zimbabwe and we’re delighted to make a contribution to such a worthwhile cause ,” said Martin Davies, head of catering, retail and events at Chester Zoo. “Our visitors are giving it fantastic support and are taking a keen interest in the work of Thirsty Planet and Pump Aid.”
In total Thirsty Planet has funded materials for the construction of 3,500 pumps in Zimbabwe and Malawi in two years, helping more than 1.5 million people. Paul Martin, managing director of Waterbrands, parent company of Thirsty Planet, commented: “The lack of clean water is a major problem in the developing world and we would like to thank visitors and staff at Chester Zoo who are making a huge difference to someone’s life when they buy a bottle of Thirsty Planet water.”
PICTURE CAPTION
(left to right) Pictured with giraffe Fey at Chester Zoo are Martin Davies, head of catering, retail and events, and Alistair Price from Thirsty Planet.
Ends
Issued on behalf of Thirsty Planet by Nexnet PR, Leeds, www.nexnet.co.uk. For further information call Carole Jackson on 0113 247 0029, or email carole.jackson@nexnet.co.uk