Volunteers are vital to Toilet Twinning’s campaign to end toilet poverty.
The charity initiative is run by a small fundraising team – but Toilet Twinning’s global reach and impact are due in large part to a growing band of volunteer ambassadors across the UK.
Volunteers donate their time and energy to highlight the fact that two billion people still don’t have a safe toilet. Practically, volunteers encourage people to donate to ‘twin’ their loo and by doing so help provide clean water, safe toilets and hygiene training in some of the world’s poorest communities.
Clean water, proper sanitation and good hygiene practice are
fundamental to human health and well-being. Education, personal productivity and financial viability are also directly linked to whether or not a family can access these things. #twinyourtoilet #FridayMotivation pic.twitter.com/zy79d8NRdA— Toilet Twinning (@toilettwinning) January 31, 2020
“Many of our volunteers have had a lightbulb moment where they realise the health risks for those who don’t have a proper toilet, or the dangers faced by women and girls who have to venture into the bush at night.
“Our volunteers are hugely passionate about changing that situation – and excited there’s a practical solution they can promote.”
Most volunteers begin by setting up a stand at local events to explain the concept and promote Toilet Twinning. Many volunteers go on to spearhead community-wide campaigns, involving schools, community-groups groups, churches, organisations and businesses in fundraising.
Many of our volunteers have had a lightbulb moment where they realise the health risks for those who don’t have a proper toilet”
Others will help run stands at conferences and festivals – often finding that portable toilets help people realise the importance of good sanitation.
“I spent many years as a financier visiting developing countries and getting the merest glimpse of the problems that a lack of sanitation can lead to. I love the fact that Toilet Twinning is easy to explain – and it’s not difficult to demonstrate the good it’s doing. And I get to start my talks by saying, ‘Let’s talk about poo!’”
David Young, Volunteer Speaker for Toilet Twinning on why volunteering is so important to him
The calendar highlight of Toilet Twinning’s campaign is World Toilet Day on 19th November. It’s always a busy time of year at the Bournemouth HQ and Toilet Twinning is particularly grateful for volunteer office support to send out twinning certificates.
It’s time such as this when volunteer speakers like David Young are in high demand.
Find out more about Toilet Twining by meeting them at Volunteer Expo or visiting their website.
