20th anniversary of water firm’s trust fund which helps those in need
THE Severn Trent Trust Fund which supports people in financial distress across its operating region has celebrated its 20th anniversary by continuing its pledge to help people, saying its support is needed now more than ever.
The Fund, launched in 1997, helps individuals who are struggling to pay their water bill due to difficulties such as poor health, disability, unemployment or bereavement.
It has provided more than £46million in grants supporting over 500,000 people over the two decades, while also offering longer-term support to encourage financial stability.
Trust chairman Clive Stone DL thanked Severn Trent for their vision and continued support, saying the critical service had also been made possible by bringing partners together, including the Money Advice Service
He said: “The need for our support is greater now than ever, as the economic picture in this country is making it harder for many individuals to cover their utility bills, often due to a life-changing crisis. The circumstances of a family that was once stable can change dramatically and immediately and our ongoing commitment is to continue to assist and innovate.”
Severn Trent CEO Liv Garfield said the Trust Fund has done some ‘absolutely fantastic work’ and helps form part of ‘our broader commitment in supporting our local communities’.
Founder trustee Liz Pusey said: “The original vision was to help people in desperate need and, rather than just off-set their debts, the trust would help them bring their lives back under control – and those principles remain true today.”
To help mark the anniversary, the Trust Fund’s management arm, Auriga Services, formed in 2004, organised 20 activities to raise £20,000. Dedicated members of staff smashed the target, presenting £23,142 to international development charity, WaterAid. The charity works in 28 countries across the world to bring clean water, decent toilets and good hygiene to some of the world’s poorest and most marginalised people
Fundraising activities to mark the anniversary included a sky dive, 20,000m sponsored swim, a 200km static bike ride challenge, a jail break and bag packing, while people also entered the Great Midlands Fun Run and a tough mudder-style event.
WaterAid spokesperson Helen Seacombe said: “We are so grateful to the team at Severn Trent Trust fund for their amazing enthusiasm in fundraising more than £23,000 towards WaterAid’s vital work. Their incredible support will help some of the world’s poorest and most marginalised communities access the basic human rights to clean water, decent toilets and good hygiene.”