WaterAid’s JUST WATER detox challenge gives communities around the world the gift of clean water

To kickstart the New Year, WaterAid has launched Just Water, the toughest abstinence charity challenge where participants get sponsored for drinking nothing but water for a month. 

The fundraising opportunity is aimed at those wanting to detox and reset their systems after their festive indulgences whilst also giving the gift of clean water to people around the world. By binning the booze, canning the caffeine and dodging the juice in this extreme test of willpower, people can help transform lives and make a difference.

Joanna Gill, 30, a composer from London, started the Just Water challenge in January 2018 and proved herself to be the ultimate participant by remarkably drinking only water for a whole year. The impetus behind Joanna’s decision to take part was hearing about the drought in South Africa and remembering her childhood visit to her missionary parents in Zambia where she heard stories of women and children walking miles each day to collect water. 

Joanna is now nearing the end of her year-long challenge and has raised over £1,000 for WaterAid to help provide clean water, decent toilets and good hygiene to some of the poorest communities globally. She is now encouraging others to do a just water detox for charity this January.

Joanna said: 

“Most people think I’m crazy to have taken on this challenge. We are so fortunate to have water readily available but 1 in 9 people around the world do not have access to clean water in or near their home – that’s why I wanted to raise awareness and fundraise for WaterAid. Clean water, decent toilets and good hygiene are basic human rights that should be normal for everyone, everywhere. 

“I’d encourage others to do Just Water for one month. My tip is to drink sparkling water and a slice of lemon as a treat. I also found that dark chocolate helped too.

“I’ve been asked what my first drink on 1st January will be. I’m pleased to say that I will be celebrating my achievement with a glass of red wine!”

WaterAid is inviting others to sign up to Just Water this January, raising money by giving up all drinks other than water for a month, or longer, and giving others the gift of clean water: https://www.wateraid.org//justwater.

If a whole month without a morning caffeine fix or Friday night pint proves too tough, participants can simply ‘pass the glass’ each week, taking on the challenge for one week in turn.

Related posts

Leave a Comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.