Atlas Copco and Water for All expand across the world

Stockholm, Sweden, August 16, 2009: Water for All, a non-profit organization managed by Atlas Copco employees, will this year expand to more than 10 countries, including India and China, as it celebrates 25 years of working to provide people in need with clean drinking water.

Founded in 1984 by Atlas Copco employees in Sweden, Water for All has funded projects across the world, in countries ranging from Peru to Malawi and Afghanistan. Through installing water pumps in schools and villages and protecting natural springs, sustainable water supplies have been created for more than one million people. The funds are raised through monthly member donations, which are matched by Atlas Copco. Following an expanded commitment by the Atlas Copco Group to support employees in any country wishing to establish local Water for All organizations, the concept has been adopted in several places. Water for All organizations now exist besides Sweden in Belgium, China, Germany, India, Italy, the UK, USA, South Africa and Spain. “We are very happy to see so many of our people take an interest in this important issue, which is not only about health and sanitation, but also about creating significant social benefits. Having clean water in schools means better access for children to education,” says Jo Cronstedt, Vice President Public Affairs at Atlas Copco. “The response has been astounding, for instance in China where Water for All now has close to 3 000 members who contribute a monthly amount from their salaries.” Water for All will celebrate its 25-year anniversary with an event on August 28-29, held in the Atlas Copco Hall, located in the mine under the Group Center in Sickla, Sweden. The event will include lectures on water issues and information on projects from partnering organizations. For more on this, please see the latest newsletter available on http://www.water4all.org.

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