Pupils raise funds for WaterAid

Organised and assisted by Bexhill Lions club, the collection took place outside Sainsbury's store in Bexhill and, thanks to the generosity of shoppers, coins flooded in.

In preparation of the collection, pupils painted a large 'empty' river at school, and it was to this that the total sum of coins they collected (totalling over 200) was added.

The children also took home bottles of water to remind them of the importance of clean water, and then re-filled the bottles with cash donations from family and friends.

Bexhill Lions Club have supported WaterAid, which is an international charity working in developing countries, for many years. WaterAid's aim is to ultimately ensure that everyone has access to safe clean water, and effective sanitation. It helps local organisations set up low cost, sustainable projects using technology that can be managed by the community itself.

Watching a video on the important work which WaterAid do left a lasting impact on the pupils.

"We saw a WaterAid video at school", said one pupil, "and it showed us how much the children in poorer countries need help to get better toilets and clean water. That's why we are here today to tell everyone about it.

Bexhill Lions President Avril Earnshaw said the collection had been very successful and she thanked everyone for their support.

Avril said: "The support of the school teachers, children and parents, Bexhill shoppers, and Sainsbury's store, has been very positive. We are delighted with the money raised which we will be able to donate to WaterAid '“ a charity we've supported for over sixteen years."

For further information on the charity visit the website at: www.wateraid.org or contact Bexhill Lions on 0845 833 9591.