When a phone rings and a charity is at the other end of the line, do you decide to have a chat, or do you make an excuse and hang up as soon as possible?

Don’t feel guilty if you put the phone down – we’re all busy, and we know that there are hundreds of causes that could be close to your heart. But this summer we decided to make some calls with a difference: we didn’t call to ask for your support, or donations – we just called to say thank you.

Children with pump and ‘Thank you’ signs, from left to right – Milcar Sacrmento De Araujo, 7; Marcia Da Costa, 5; Domingos De Araujo, 5; Juleita Ramos, 7; Ferdianus Da Costa, 7; Manuella Sarmento, 6.. Haliwain village, Manufahi district, Timor Leste.

Children with pump and ‘Thank you’ signs, Haliwain village, Timor Leste.

We couldn’t ask for better supporters. Last year you helped us achieve incredible things, and 2016 is already shaping up to be even more special.

WaterAid staff made hundreds of calls throughout the day to say thank you. You let us know what inspires you about our work – from safe water being a basic human right, to the dozens of countries your donations are making change happen right now.

Didn’t get a call from us? We’re sorry that we missed you. We’ve put together a special video highlighting all the great things your support makes possible

Turning on the tap can be a truly magical moment – a whole community, young and old, brought together to celebrate the first flow of clean water.

Your support makes it happen – which is why August 18 was all about celebrating you.