Agfa Graphics raises funds to install water pumps in Central Africa.
.Agfa Graphics goes a step further than focusing on sustainability in its R&D and manufacturing efforts. By collecting money for a water pump project in Burkina Faso, Central Africa, we also support projects for a better world. The water pump project is managed by the 'Vrienden van Burkino Faso' (Friends of Burkina Faso), who aim to provide water to this barren African nation.
The Friends of Burkina Faso have already installed one water pump. The pump was an immediate success. Around the pump, a village (Dara) has gradually grown and people are standing in line to collect water day and night. The Friends of Burkina Faso decided it was time to install a second pump and asked Agfa Graphics for help. Agfa Graphics will pay for this pump, which will provide more than 10,000 people with daily fresh water. The pump will be located near to a small hospital, three kilometers outside of Dara.
The fund raising started as an idea to spice up the daily product auction Agfa Graphics organized on its booth at drupa. Agfa Graphics put works of art on sale from renowned Belgian artists Panamarenko and Luc Tuymans and from our own colleague Marc Van Boom, as well as signed sports t-shirts by Pele and wide-format prints. The proceeds of these charity items went to the Burkina Faso project.
In the Agfa Graphics offices, the water pump project even started to live a life of its own. Colleagues spontaneously started raising additional funds. On the last day of drupa, there was a special auction selling items from our booth to our own staff with the proceeds going to Burkina Faso.
We are proud to say that thanks to the different initiatives, the second water pump could be bought. It is due to be installed early 2009.