After more than 20 years championing WaterAid’s mission to transform the lives of the poorest and most marginalized people by improving access to safe water, sanitation and hygiene, including 15 years as Honorary President, Margaret Trudeau is stepping down.

Margaret began her journey with WaterCan, now WaterAid, in 1996.  She first came across WaterCan while on a field trip with her daughter Alicia at the Museum of Nature in Ottawa. After traveling extensively with her former husband Pierre Trudeau, she was already familiar with the impact of water scarcity around the world and so she was immediately compelled to get involved.

“I’ve been to Africa, I’ve seen the huge difference clean water makes,” said Margaret about her desire to get involved. “You are given a big name and a lot of attention and the only way to justify being on the planet is to be someone who makes a difference.”

Women and water have been at the very heart of Margaret’s relationship with WaterAid. Over the years, she has worked tirelessly to draw attention to the desperate need for clean water and sanitation and the vital connection between access to safe water and maternal health. Through countless interviews, she has spoken eloquently and convincingly that, with clean water, women can make time for all the things that matter and communities can start to thrive.

Margaret recently spoke with Meagan Campbell of Maclean’s Magazine about her experiences with WaterAid and what’s next for this famous mother and grandmother. You can watch her full interview here.

On Thursday, May 4, more than 200 WaterAid supporters came together during a special reception to celebrate her incredible contribution and to thank her for her unwavering commitment to this movement.

Here is a gallery of photos from the event.

WaterAid Canada thanks Whitehorse Liquidity Partners, Merit Travel, Robinson Consultants, Coastal Resources and March Networks for their generous support of this event.