Delegates to WTM can arrive at the global business event at ExCeL London in style – by hopping on the Fietscafe, a fun new 17- passenger bike and mobile café, operating between nearby hotels and the venue.
The latest craze to come out of Holland will not only help passengers get some exercise and fresh air on their way to the exhibition, but will give them the feel-good factor too. The Fietscafe, courtesy of the Netherlands Board of Tourism & Conventions, will collect desperately needed funds in aid of Just a Drop, the industry water-aid charity that has already saved the lives of thousands of children worldwide.
Passengers on the jumbo bike will be offered refreshments on their trip as well as asked to pay a minimum of a £1 towards Just a Drop. And for those who are not keen on the exercise, there are non-pedalling seats where you can just sit back and relax!
Andrew van der Feltz, director, UK & Ireland, Netherlands Board of Tourism & Conventions, said: “By bringing some Dutch lifestyle values to the WTM we are again delighted to help out in raising funds for this most worthwhile cause. We very much hope that as many people as possible will use the Fietscafe for their morning coffee commute to ExCeL and kindly donate what they can to the Just a Drop appeal.”
The international appeal of Just a Drop, started by WTM, helps children throughout the world who do not have clean water and sanitation close to their homes. A child dies every 15 seconds from drinking dirty and polluted water.
Fiona Jeffery, group exhibition director and founder and chairman of Just a Drop, said she was delighted and very appreciative of Holland’s continuing support of the appeal.
She said: “This is a great idea and we hope it helps to spark off other new and original thoughts to raise money, not only during WTM week but throughout the year. As the work of Just a Drop becomes better known and respected, we are approached by many smaller organisations and groups anxious for our help. All the projects, though have to be agreed by the Trustees and are closely monitored by our president, the explorer Col. John Blashford-Snell and his team, who ensure that the money is spent wisely and effectively.
“Just a Drop spends the barest minimum on administration, ensuring that virtually all the money that is raised is used to save the life of children and their families, where ever it is need. It’s now in its seventh year and was introduced by WTM on behalf of the industry to give everyone the opportunity to give back in some way.”
Just a Drop Trustees are hoping that exhibitors will include a fund-raising idea on their stand or hold a draw or auction at an event or social occasion during the week. All fund raising will be supported by the Just a Drop team with promotional materials and press and public relations. The most recent water-related projects by Just a Drop include three in Ethiopia as well as Grenada and India.
Other fund-raising activity includes an auction, hosted by television broadcaster and Just a Drop trustee Alastair Stewart at WTM’s Captains of Industry Lunch on the opening day. Up to 200 senior management from the private sector will attend the invitation-only event.