Canary Wharf businesses take to the water at Dragon Boat Race and raise £22,850 for WaterAid – 08.07.22

A splashing £22,850 was raised in a Dragon Boat Race for WaterAid to help bring clean water to everyone, everywhere. On Thursday 7^th July at the South Dock of Canary Wharf, WaterAid, in collaboration with Canary Wharf Group, hosted the brand-new event based on a Chinese tradition from over 2000 years ago.

15 teams from companies in the vicinity of Canary Wharf competed in a series of time-clocked races. They took to the water between 12 and 5pm (following safety briefings and instructions, of course!) in competition to gain the title of the champions of Canary Wharf.

Many companies, including KPMG, Clausematch, Paysafe and WallStreetDocs took part. The very talon-ted Neon Bandits team which included members from local dragon boat clubs in the area came out victorious, with Canary Wharf Group’s security team and Clausematch earning their 2^nd and 3^rd place titles respectively.

Special awards for the best dressed competitors also went to Clausematch whose aquatic themed costumes stood out from the crowd and Yondr Group who were crowned the top fundraising team bringing an impressive £4,962 to the cause.

Corinne Stone, Senior Community and Events Officer for WaterAid, said: “It’s easy for us to take water for granted – whether we’re drinking it, washing with it, or even racing dragon boats on it! But the reality is that 771 million people around the world don’t have clean water close to home. We’re proud to have brought together people of all ages and abilities for this event and based on the turnout and fundraising efforts from our fellow local businesses it was not only a brilliant team day out for all involved, but one that will have a real impact.”

Lucie Moore, Associate Director, Arts & Events at Canary Wharf Group, said:

“The Dragon Boat race is an incredible day where our office community come together to battle it out in a show of speed and determination, have fun with their colleagues and most importantly, raise money for charity.  We’re very proud of everyone who turned up to compete, donate and support, contributing to making a real impact for WaterAid’s life changing work around the world.”

Kim-Joy Hewlett, spectator and star of Great British Bake Off 2018, said: “I came down to support my brother Kenneth who is part of the Neon Bandits team. I didn’t know he was into Dragon Boat Racing before so thought I’d come down to watch him raise money for a good cause. It’s been a lovely day in the sunshine!”

Emma Kempton, Global Head of Customer Success at Clausematch, who took part in the race commented: “I spotted this event was happening near our offices and I knew immediately that we must enter a team. The Clausematch team was really excited to take on a new challenge of Dragon Boat Racing, we are a super competitive bunch and were happy to give this our best shot so far as this is our first time. Delighted that we could raise money for WaterAid and raise awareness and contribute to making a lasting difference reaching people around the world with clean water, decent toilets and good hygiene.”

WaterAid is dedicated to making a lasting difference by reaching people around the world with clean water, decent toilets and good hygiene. Globally, one in ten people lack access to clean water and a staggering one in four have nowhere decent and private to go to the toilet. Every day, around 800 children die from diarrhoeal diseases caused by a lack of these basic facilities.  

To further this mission the event is set to become an annual fixture. If you’re feeling like you’ve missed out and can see yourself and your colleagues competing in next year’s race, register your interest ASAP to compete in WaterAid’s Dragon Boat Race 2023 via this form.

ENDS

For further information, please contact:

Rachel Sewell
PR Manager WaterAid
T: 07887 521 552
E: rachelsewell@wateraid.org