Tuesday, January 16, 2024

CHANGE CHILDREN’S LIVES WITH WORKOUT FOR WATER

by Les Mills

Nearly 450 million children around the world are living in areas of extreme water vulnerability. While the problem can seem overwhelming, we can work together to make a big difference.

Les Mills and UNICEF are excited to announce that Workout for Water is back!

Complete 450 reps - every day - for 7 days and change children’s lives with water.

UNICEF’s life-changing work starts before a child is born, and continues throughout their entire childhood. A life with access to Education, Healthcare, Protection, Nutrition, and the one thing that ties them all together, WATER - are all so important for a child’s development, growth, health, and happiness.

Since 2017, Les Mills and UNICEF have been in partnership to work towards their common goal of creating a world where every child not only survives, but thrives. So far, more than US $2 million has been raised through this partnership, but there’s much more to be done. That’s where Workout for Water comes in. No matter where you’re at in your fitness journey, whether brand new to exercise or a fitness professional, this is the challenge for you. Mark your diary for March 22^nd (World Water Day) when you will begin a week of completing 450 reps of any exercise every day.

Watch the Workout for Water video

How to Workout for Water:

Take 5 minutes to easily register, set up, and customise your fundraising page.
Join a team or go it alone and set a $$$ goal.
Ask friends & family to sponsor you or join the challenge themselves.
Prepare for the week and plan how you’ll capture & share your journey!

Every time you work out you have water on hand, but not every kid has that luxury. There are nearly 450 million children living in areas of extreme water vulnerability, and many of them must travel long distances every day to fetch clean, safe water. 7 days a week. 52 weeks a year.

Jackie Mills, Chief Creative Officer at Les Mills International says, “This challenge is hard! 450 reps of a single exercise is tough, but that’s an important part of fundraising. People donate to people doing fitness challenges because the donor recognises that it is something difficult. Of course, keeping yourself safe during Workout for Water is hugely important, so make sure to follow our exercise guidelines and know that you can make this challenge work for you, no matter where you are on your fitness journey.” There’s no one size fits all - you can choose the exercises that suit you and where you’re at, as well as whether you’ll complete the reps on your own or share amongst your team.

Every rep completed - every dollar raised - will help UNICEF guarantee the biggest impact for children while making the most of every donation. To be used flexibly wherever and whenever the need is greatest.

Creating a fitter planet means more than working up a sweat – we want to help preserve and protect our people, planet, and communities. Water is vital for a child’s development so they can stay happy, healthy, and ready to take on the world.

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Here’s what that looks like in practice!

Climate resilient water in the Pacific.

Given their small size, unique geography, and fragile water resources - Pacific Island schools, hospitals, and communities face significant challenges in terms of water and sanitation. Climate change poses even further risks with rising sea levels and the increasing severity and number of cyclones.

UNICEF is working with the governments in Fiji and Vanuatu to roll out quality training in communities that help prepare climate-resilient water safety plans, allowing them to identify, prioritise and reduce risk to water supply.

Vanuatu is also using a ‘build back better’ approach following the Category 5 Cyclone Pam. The water safety planning process led to the rehabilitation and replacement of water supply systems, improving climate resilience in some of the islands’ most vulnerable communities.

Innovation against drought in Madagascar.

The South of Madagascar has the country’s lowest water service coverage and has been devastated by prolonged periods of drought. This has caused severe food insecurity and a malnutrition crisis that’s been devastating for children.

Using data from sensors that detect water beneath the surface, UNICEF developed an early warning system to warn of possible drought conditions, water shortages and water quality issues.

Now UNICEF, the government of Madagascar and partners are better prepared to take immediate action to secure clean and safe water for vulnerable children and their communities when their water sources are at risk.

In 2019, the last Workout for Water activation raised more than $500,000US, and this year we need YOU to help us do even better. Let’s fundraise together for UNICEF to give kids access to basic needs like education, healthcare, and safe water.