Company: Arup (a member of the UK Network)
Project: The Arup Cause

Arup turns 60 in 2006. To mark this milestone in a way that reaffirms what the firm is all about, we have decided to celebrate through an initiative we call the Arup Cause: dedicating time, effort, energy, expertise and money to understand and help those suffering from extreme poverty or rebuilding their lives post-disaster, with a focus on water and sanitation issues.

We constantly strive to 'shape a better world' whether we are designing sustainable solutions or helping others in times of crisis and need. The Arup Cause is about 7000 Arup staff worldwide working together to raise awareness and funds, and apply our technical expertise and creative ability to do what we can to make a real difference.

The Arup Cause has clear objectives: to educate ourselves and others; to donate money to projects; to collaborate with international aid agencies and charities, like WaterAid; to participate in activities; and to find solutions to challenges and innovate to bring about positive change. It is good to be able to report that we are achieving these objectives, and that the Arup Cause really is making a difference during our 60th anniversary year.

Educate
When people understand the impact that they can make by their own actions and by influencing others, positive change is inevitable. Education is critical to the success of the Arup Cause. We have launched an internal programme to raise awareness and motivate Arup staff about water and sanitation issues, which will be followed by an external education programme designed to do the same for those outside Arup.

Donate
Across the firm, enthusiastic staff are volunteering their time to organise local fundraising events, ranging from water carrying, water tasting, quizzes, auctions and cake bakes to selling a glass of water on ebay! In addition, we have identified, in close collaboration with WaterAid, several suitable projects for Arup to sponsor.

Collaborate
Collaborating with like-minded organisations is a powerful way for us to achieve our goals for the Arup Cause. In the same year that Arup celebrates its 60th year, WaterAid, a major charity dedicated exclusively to the provision of safe domestic water, sanitation and hygiene education to some of the world's poorest people, marks its 25th anniversary.

To commemorate our shared milestones, celebrate our shared values, and to progress the common goal of improving people's lives in a sustainable way, our two organisations have formed a partnership to undertake a range of activities around the world.

Participate
'I think that a lot of people, myself included, join Arup on the basis that they are joining a firm that has a positive impact on people's lives and the environment in which they live.'
- Ruth McBain, Arup engineer

Arup's commitment to our environment and the communities we work in has always been at the heart of the Arup ethos. It defines our approach to our work, to our clients and collaborators, and to each other. From the WaterAid Supporters' Visit to global art competitions, our staff have found creative and meaningful ways to get involved and make a difference.

Innovate
The past 60 years have been about our commitment to 'shape a better world' through our innovative and fully-integrated approach. With the Arup Cause as a vehicle, this is an area where we can truly make a difference.

We can find solutions to that can be applied to the global issues of water and sanitation, as well as other selected development issues which further the aims of this initiative.

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