Bidfood, one of the UK’s leading
foodservice providers, has raised over £9,423 for The One Foundation, to fund clean water projects in Africa. With every £4 donated changing the life of someone living in a water-starved community, this amount will directly impact 2,356 people. The ‘Give Water Give Life’ campaign, which launched on 13 March, ran for two weeks across 24 Bidfood sites nationwide and challenged employees to get involved in a host of fundraising and promotional activities. Celebrating ten years of working with One Drinks, the UK’s leading ethical drinks brand, Bidfood’s campaign aimed to raise awareness of the global water crisis and fundraise to help towards the 663 million people around the world who still don’t have access to clean water. As part of the events, over 150 Bidfood employees took part in a 5L Challenge, where participants including CEO Andrew Selley and other members of the leadership team were tasked with living off just
five litres of water during World Water Day (22 March). This included for all their washing, cooking and drinking needs – an everyday task for millions of people around the world without access to clean water and a stark difference from the 150 litres of water an average person in the UK uses per day.
Talking about his experience of the 5L Challenge, Andrew Selley, Bidfood CEO said: “Albeit a difficult challenge, what resonated with me was carrying my five-litre jerry can around with me all day, knowing that the contents of it was all I could have for 24 hours. “It was a very thought-provoking exercise and a real eye opener. I would definitely encourage others to take on the challenge.” Many of the 24 sites are continuing to run fundraising activities over the coming months including sponsored walks, African-themed lunches, bake sales and quizzes. Other participants in the 5L Challenge on World Water Day (22 March) included representatives from the industry, media and one of Bidfood’s key customers, ISS. To help change more lives by fundraising, donating or supporting One Drinks, visit
onedifference.org/givewater or visit
www.justgiving.com/campaigns/charity/onefoundation/bidvestgivewatergivelife