Nine-year-old WaterAid supporter Hemi Poulton, from Bermondsey, South London, will be honoured at the Woman's Own Children of Courage Awards 2009 on Wednesday 9 December.There are eight awards and nine winners* from all over the UK. Every child has either shown courage in the face of hardship or performed a selfless act.
Nine-year-old Hemi will receive the Young Fundraiser award for her long-standing commitment to raising funds for WaterAid.
When Hemi first heard about WaterAid from a family friend who works in the charity’s Asia office it made a huge impression on her. Hemi felt it was unfair that some children in the world are forced to drink dirty water and walk miles just to collect it, or that some schools don't have any toilets. On her fifth birthday, she surprised her parents by coming up with the idea to ask her friends for donations rather than presents.
Her mum Miriam says: "She did this on her sixth birthday, too, telling these people off who insisted on bringing her a gift as well as making a donation."
By forgoing birthday presents for donations, Hemi has raised over £200 each year for the charity. On the face of it may not sound like much, but just £15 can enable one person to access safe water, improved hygiene and sanitation in the countries WaterAid works.
On her eighth birthday, as well as giving up birthday gifts, Hemi organised a kids sponsored cycle ride at a park near her home in South London. Together with her school friends a further £1,500 was raised for WaterAid. This is enough to provide several schools with toilet blocks – something most children her age wouldn't even know were needed.
WaterAid nominated Hemi for the award. WaterAid's Community Fundraising Manager Cathy Whiteman said:
"Hemi is only nine years old yet she has supported WaterAid for over three years, making her one of our youngest and most loyal supporters, and a true inspiration to others.
"We are delighted that Hemi has been recognised by the Woman's Own Children of Courage awards for the wonderful support she has shown to WaterAid and the impact this has had on the lives of some of the world’s poorest people. Well done Hemi!"
The youngsters, aged between five and fifteen, will receive their awards in front of a star-studded congregation at Westminster Abbey, including celebrities from Strictly Come Dancing, The X-factor and some of Britain's favourite pop, soap and television stars. Following the ceremony, the winners will be guests of honour at a special reception at the House of Lords. Before arriving at Westminster Abbey, the winners will pay a visit to Number 10 Downing Street.
This year's nine winners were unveiled in the Woman's Own Christmas bumper issue which went on sale yesterday.
Hemi is now planning another sponsored cycle ride in South London in June 2010. If you would like to get involved email: bikeforwater@yahoo.co.uk or to make a donation visit www.justgiving.com/bikeforwater
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*There are nine winners being honoured in eight different categories: Outstanding Bravery, Sheer Courage, Young Fundraiser, Young Carer, A True Inspiration, Local Hero, Unsung Hero and Outstanding Achievement.
For more information please contact brendamcilwraith@wateraid.org or call 020 7793 2245
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