GARDENA and UNICEF extend global partnership to bring safe water to children and families worldwide.
Launching on World Water Day, the ‘Growing Futures, one drop at a time’ campaign supports UNICEF’s global WASH programmes (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene) and raises vital awareness of water as a precious shared resource.
Water means life
Every year on World Water Day (22 March), people around the world come together to recognise just how important water is to life on our planet.
At GARDENA, water is something we work with every day; helping gardens flourish and green spaces thrive. But beyond our back garden, millions of families around the world still struggle to access something many of us take for granted: safe, clean water.
That’s why we’re proud to extend our global partnership with UNICEF in 2026 to also include UNICEF UK supporting UNICEF’s global WASH programmes (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene) that help children and families gain access to clean water, sanitation and hygiene.
A Partnership Making a Real Difference
Since the partnership began in 2018, support from GARDENA has helped UNICEF advance its global efforts to expand access to clean, safe water and hygiene services for children and families in vulnerable communities. Building on this progress, the collaboration continues with renewed ambition and a shared commitment to drive meaningful, long-term change.
Together, the partnership aims to help provide 355,000 children and families in high-need regions with access to clean, safe water by the end of 2026.
The ‘Growing Futures, one drop at a time’ campaign will run throughout the year, raising awareness about water scarcity and championing water as one of our planet’s most precious and life-sustaining resources.
© UNICEF/UNI630751/Rotzoll On 26th June 2024, Kim Sovantei (left), 6, and Tin Chantha, 6, wash their hands with other students at the newly installed Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) station at Sre Chhouk Primary School in Sre Chhouk Village, Rolous Meanchey Commune, Sambo District, Kratie Province, Cambodia.
Why Access to Water Matters
Water is fundamental to healthy lives and thriving communities. Yet today, an estimated 1 in 4 or 2.1 billion people worldwide still lack access to safely managed drinking water.
Safe water and hygiene are essential for health, education and long-term resilience particularly in the face of climate change, which is increasing the frequency of droughts, floods and water insecurity across many parts of the world.
Through flexible funding from GARDENA, UNICEF can direct resources where they’re needed most whether that’s improving water systems, building essential sanitation facilities, promoting hygiene education or supporting emergency responses in crisis situations. These interventions have helped to prevent diseases, improve health and support children and families to grow and build brighter futures.
A Meaningful Partnership
Maha Elkharbotly, President of GARDENA, explains why the partnership is so important.
“Our partnership with UNICEF is deeply meaningful to us. Throughout my career, I have seen how access to clean water, sanitation and hygiene can transform lives and strengthen entire communities. Water means life."
"Through this collaboration, we are proud to stand alongside UNICEF to help ensure that more children and families have access to this fundamental human need. Together, we are contributing our voice, our expertise and our commitment to a purpose that extends far beyond our own organisation.”
© UNICEF/UNI675235/Ramasomanana October 16, 2024 : Terabovo Primary Public School, Commune of Sihanamaro, Ambovombe District, Androy Region, Madagascar : group photo of smiling schoolgirls coming to collect water from the school's standpipe.
What This Means at Home
While the partnership supports communities across the globe, it also aims to inspire people everywhere to think more consciously about responsible water use.
As gardeners, we see first-hand how vital water is for growth, whether it’s nurturing plants, supporting wildlife or caring for our outdoor spaces.
Small Actions Can Make a Big Difference
Throughout 2026, the “Growing Futures, one drop at a time” campaign will encourage people to recognise the power of water in everyday life — and the role each of us can play in protecting it.
Because when millions of small actions come together, they can create impactful, meaningful change.
Find Out More
You can learn more about the campaign and how to support UNICEF through GARDENA’s website and social channels.
Together, we can help ensure that every child has access to the water they need to grow, learn and thrive.
UNICEF does not endorse any company, brand, product, or service.
