If you will allow us, we’re taking a break this week from talking about compressed air and focusing on water. A large part of this blog has always been about sustainability and water saving in compressed air is a big focus. The purpose statement of the Atlas Copco Group is to develop industrial ideas that empower our customers to grow and drive society forward; this is how we create a better tomorrow.
This week (March 22) held World Water Day. The U.N. began World Water Day to raise awareness of water shortages that relate to climate change. Atlas Copco has long supported this day through a series of awareness-raising events and donations to worthy causes across the globe.
Water for All is Atlas Copco’s employee-led community engagement initiative focusing on providing WASH facilities and service (water, sanitation, and hygiene) for countries all across the world. This World Water Day, Atlas Copco North America is supporting the people of Ukraine and Peru.
The humanitarian crisis in Ukraine has shocked and stunned us all. There, millions of civilians are fleeing their homes. With this evacuation and unrest comes a need for hygiene, sanitation, and water. Atlas Copco North America has donated $50,000. It hopes to double that amount in the coming months. The Atlas Copco Group has a global network of its Water For All organizations. They’re raising funds for Ukrainian support with the Adventist Development Relief Agency. This support is in addition to the Atlas Copco Group donation of 1 million SEK to United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the organization dedicated to saving lives and protecting the rights of refugees.
The second project is in Peru. Peru has enjoyed economic growth recently. But the South American nation’s economy took a hit with the COVID-19 pandemic. Only 22% of rural Peruvians have access to safely-managed water systems. In these regions, there are scarce sanitation services as well.
Atlas Copco delivered aid to Peru through a long-time program called Water for People. Atlas Copco’s $40,000 donation supports three initiatives in the Asunción and Reque districts. They include piped water systems and hygiene awareness projects.
Since 2010, Atlas Copco’s North American Water for All program has donated more than $2.3 million. This gift has gone to 21 nations to fun 59 projects. Some of the funding has gone for domestic disaster relief too, in:
- Arizona
- Colorado
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- New Mexico
- Texas
For every dollar an employee donates, the company adds another two dollars, making a double match. Water for All branches exist in more than 50 countries. They've helped millions globally since 1984. Swedish employees Peter Håkansson and Torgny Rogert founded the initiative.
To discover how Water for All works, learn their story and see their projects, visit the website.
