DENVER, May 1, 2008 -- International nonprofit Water For People says it takes just $29 to provide water to one person for a lifetime. But for the employees of CH2M Hill, helping provide clean water and sanitation solutions to just one person isn't enough.
This May, CH2M Hill has set a goal to raise $100,000 for Water For People -- meaning enough money to help fund clean water projects that will benefit 3,450 people in developing countries. Whether it's collecting money coin-by-coin in a bucket, sponsoring a fundraiser or making it easy for employees to donate online, the company's 6th annual Giving Campaign encourages employees to do what they can to make a difference.
Clients and partners who wish to join in supporting Water For People -- especially during Drinking Water Week, which is observed May 4-10 -- can make a donation online through the Water For People Web site.
"CH2M Hill's support of Water For People aligns with our ongoing efforts to develop sustainable clean water solutions and help improve the quality of life for people around the world," says Elisa Speranza, the president of CH2M Hill OMI, who also volunteers as the vice president of the Water For People board. "More than 1 billion people do not have the basic service of safe, clean drinking water in their homes or communities. By working toward the day when all of our global neighbors have clean water and adequate sanitation, we are transforming -- and saving -- lives."
As part of the 2008 Giving Campaign, CH2M Hill once again is allowing employees to give to Water For People through payroll deductions, making it simple to spread their donations over several pay periods.
In addition, employees have volunteered to raise money in several creative ways, including:
• In Toronto, people are hosting a "pie in the face" fundraiser, asking employees to donate to see their favorite manager take a blue Jell-O gelatin pie head-on. They also are holding a jewelry sale and delivering several educational presentations about the importance of Water For People's work.
• In Denver, water bingo will be the name of the game. Every game an employee wants to play will cost $1, with all proceeds for Water For People. In addition, an H2O Challenge program asks employees to drink only tap water during Drinking Water Week and instead give Water For People the money they would have spent on coffee and soda.
• In Salt Lake City, employees are holding a barbeque fundraiser and inviting clients and families to attend. Ticket sales will benefit Water For People, and during the event, presentations will help attendees learn more about Water For People programs.
• In Boston, volunteers are holding a 70/30 raffle. Employees can purchase raffle tickets for $1, and the winning ticket will receive 30 percent of the total amount raised, while Water For People earns 70 percent. Employees also are donating prizes and items for a live auction, hosted by a volunteer auctioneer. Last year's live auction raised more than $1,000.
CH2M Hill has been a Water For People corporate partner since 1991, when Ken Miller, a now-retired CH2M Hill senior vice president, helped found the organization along with other professionals from the American Water Works Association. Miller served as the organization's first president. In 2007, the company committed more than $150,000 in cash and in-kind contributions to advance Water For People's work, including $92,000 from employees in nearly 80 CH2M Hill offices and project sites worldwide. Two CH2M Hill employees serve on Water For People's U.S. and Canada board of directors, and several others serve on local committees.
From water reclamation to desalination to more efficient water treatment, CH2M Hill's Water Business Group designs, builds, engineers and delivers water projects and water technologies that are cost-effective, innovative, and timely.
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