WATER cooler company AquAid has marked the season of goodwill by beating its target for charity fundraising.

The firm, which supplies water coolers and dispensers to offices, homes and schools across the region, donates a percentage of each sale to help provide fresh water to people in developing countries.

Husband and wife Gordon and Emir Dobson have successfully headed up their AquAid franchise for almost 10 years, during which time thirsty customers have helped to raise a whopping £136,873 for the Pump Aid and Christian Aid charities, simply by drinking AquAid water.

Its charitable work also includes supplying water to the Sunderland Street Pastors, who patrol the city centre at weekends to assist those who have had too much to drink or are left feeling vulnerable.

Managing director Gordon Dobson said: “We had hoped to break our target of £130,000 this year but our latest audited accounts have just revealed that with the help of our customers, we have actually donated more than £136,000.

“This is fantastic news and it just goes to show that water coolers can help to save lives.

“Each water cooler we site for a customer can raise enough money to bring two children in Africa water for the rest of their lives and it is a great way for local businesses and schools to help others in need.

“The money raised is used to buy water pumps, which can literally mean the difference between life and death.

“It’s estimated that 4,000 children die every day as a result of diseases caused by unclean water and poor sanitation.

“All the team at AquAid are proud of this achievement and would like to thank all our customers who have helped us hit yet another impressive charity target.”

The Washington-based AquAid franchise covers from the River Tyne down to North Yorkshire and across County Durham and is part of a national network that has raised about £2m for Christian Aid.

Loretta Minghella, director of Christian Aid, said: “I was delighted to learn that Aquaid Tyne and Wear had reached the fantastic figure of £136,000 after nine years of raising money for water projects run by Pump Aid and Christian Aid.

“Aquaid’s donations have enabled people in some of the world’s poorest communities to grow more food, access cleaner drinking water and build better sanitation systems.

“This work has improved the health and quality of life for thousands of people living in developing countries.”