Pietermaritzburg – Following a positive response from paddlers supporting the FNB Dusi Canoe Marathon Charity Batch auction, FNB has further contributed R200 000, bringing the total amount generated, to assist local communities deal with the drought in the region, to well over R375 000.

The FNB Dusi Drought Relief Initiative which was recently added as a third beneficiary of the Charity Batch auction earlier this month, will be allocated one third of the amount raised to install water tanks into central points of the Msundusi and Mngeni valleys.

FNB Business CEO, Mike Vacy-Lyle, said the contribution from FNB recognised the widespread desire to address the drought and leave a tangible and sustainable tool to empower local communities to become water-sufficient.

"When we suggested adding a third beneficiary to the Charity Batch, we received full support from the other two existing beneficiaries - the Valley Chiefs Fund and the Dusi uMngeni Conservation Trust (DUCT).

"The funds raised will be distributed equally amongst all three beneficiaries, as they share the same desire to make a meaningful impact to the drought crisis affecting the valleys that we will be moving through during the race.

Through the FNB Dusi Drought Relief Initiative a number of water tanks will be installed into central sites in the valley communities, allowing local residents to efficiently harvest rain water,” said Vacy-Lyle.

"Each water tank that can be installed in the valley will have an immense impact for the people who are battling on a daily basis to access clean drinking water.”

Paddlers taking part in the FNB Dusi Canoe Marathon are urged to add their support to the FNB Dusi Drought Relief project by buying a blue ribbon as a visible show of support.

The FNB Dusi Canoe Marathon takes place from Camps Drift, Pietermaritzburg to Blue Lagoon, Durban from 18-20 February 2016. More information can be found at www.dusi.co.za