THANK YOU TO ALL WHO PARTICIPATED IN THE OPERAKÄLLAREN FOUNDATION 2020

On October 19, this year's Operakällaren Foundation was organized for the benefit of WaterAid. Despite the current situation, we managed to raise millions for WaterAid's vital work for clean water in Ethiopia. Many thanks to everyone who contributed, together we make a difference.

For the 14th year in a row, the Operakällaren Foundation was held. The day began as usual with a breakfast seminar with very interesting speakers. Guests on stage were Anders Tegnell, Jan Eliasson, Kjell A. Nordström, Leah Richardson, Danny Saucedo and our own Abbe Ibrahim. The seminar was moderated by Steffo Törnquist and Jenny Strömstedt. During the evening we held the annual banquet, which this year was more special and intimate than usual, despite safety distances. Many thanks to Chris Kläfford and Albin Lee Meldau who performed with fantastic music as well as Wyclef Jean, Will Ferrell and Famke Janssen who participated via video link. During the day and evening, all recommendations from the Swedish Public Health Agency were followed.

WaterAid's water and health expert Leah Richardson and state epidemiologist Anders Tegnell during the breakfast seminar.

For the first time since our start, it was not obvious that the event could take place. Fortunately, we realized that the work we do with the Operakällaren Foundation has never been more important. The COVID-19 pandemic has hit the world whole world hard, and already vulnerable areas have become even more affected.

Comperes and auctioneers Jenny Strömstedt and Steffo Törnquist with one of the evening's donated items.

Abbe Ibrahim and Melina Waldenmaier before the banquet.

This year's fundraising was done for the benefit of WaterAid's vital work to provide hospitals and health centers in Ethiopia with clean water, the possibility of better hygiene and toilets. Today the horrible truth is that about 7 out of 10 hospitals in Ethiopia lack clean water. This has terrible consequences, not least during the current pandemic situation. Every day, women die from infections they have contracted after giving birth in an unhygienic environment. Every hour children die of diarrheal diseases caused by dirty water – the list can be made long.

WaterAid's CEO Anna Nilsdotter says thank you for the evening's event.

Doing everything we can to change that situation is the reason why the Operakällaren Foundation exists. A major step along the way was taken at Operakällaren Foundation 2020. During the evening, it was announced that more than 3 million SEK will be donated to WaterAid's vital work. Of these, about 2.2 million SEK was collected during the banquet. At the end of the evening, the Swedish Postcode Lottery announced that they are giving WaterAid extra financial support of 1.1 million SEK. WaterAid is a beneficiary of the Swedish Postcode Lottery.

Many thanks to all the speakers, guests and generous supporters. Without you we are nothing.

Jenny Strömstedt, Steffo Törnquist and Operakällaren Foundation's founder Abbe Ibrahim rounds off the evening.