Yarra Valley Water fundraising champion leads the way for change

Stephanie Salinas, Manager Waste to Energy, reflects on her fundraising journey and motivations for joining WaterAid Australia’s Walk for Water challenge.

Walk for Water kicks off this week and Yarra Valley Water staff are coming together, alongside others from across the water sector, to walk, run, ride and dance to fundraise for communities in need.

All in support of WaterAid's vital work - to provide clean water and accessible toilets for everyone, everywhere.

‘I felt joy, knowing that somewhere on the planet, someone was going to benefit immensely from my short-lived effort. A baby with safe drinking water for their bottle, a young girl back to school, or a mum no longer burdened by the stress of her children not having safe water.'

When asked what motivated her to take part in Walk for Water, Stephanie said it was a combination of her passion for human rights and water security – as well as a wish to get active.

‘By aligning Walk for Water with something I was trying to achieve, it made the process much more engaging and fun’, said Stephanie.

‘I am very passionate about sustainability and the care of our planet and its people. I believe that you can’t truly address our environmental issues without addressing our humanitarian issues.’

A big advocate for water security, Stephanie has had an active role in small grass roots charity, MOSS Foundation Inc , for many years – helping them deliver water and sanitation projects in remote Africa.

‘Walk for Water appealed to me as another way I could help those who don’t have access to clean and safe drinking water like we do here in Australia.’

Stephanie said it was often the women and girls who were burdened with this issue and held responsible for providing water to their family and community.

'Anyone of us could have been born into a position challenged with water security. The fact that we are privileged with safe water and sanitation means we are also privileged enough to help make a change’.

‘I was also motivated by a desire to move my body – so much so that I ended up with a New Year’s resolution to go out and do one nature walk each week for 2024. And this year I’m running for water – after not having run in over 5 years!’

When asked if she had any words of wisdom for staff taking part this year, Stephanie said not to shy away from the challenge, be yourself, and be ready to explain the work of WaterAid and what makes it such an important cause.

‘If you raise $10 or $1000, the compounding effect of YVW staff coming together for WaterAid has a real impact to real people on this planet who need it.

‘One of my favourite quotes is ‘Individually, we are one drop. Together, we are an ocean’ – Ryunosuke Satoro’.

‘By joining together, we can make every dollar count – and help support the life changing work of WaterAid’, said Stephanie.

Get involved, explore WaterAid Australia 's vital work and make a donation to support clean water for all.

https://fundraise.wateraid.org.au/fundraisers/yarravalleywater/walkforwater-2024