Awards and appointments distinguish online convention

[THE Chartered Institute of Fundraising has awarded Sir Lenny Henry the Special Recognition in Fundraising Award, for his contribution to fundraising with Comic Relief and in recognition of his continued role in championing diversity and inclusion across the creative arts.

The award was made during Fundraising Convention Online, which took place between 6-8 July and was opened by Sir Lenny (pictured). It recognises and thanks him for his incredible fundraising over the decades. He was the co-founder of Comic Relief in response to the famine in Ethiopia in 1985, and most recently fronted the Big Night In – the television fundraiser during the coronavirus crisis. Lenny is also an energetic Photo by Johan Persson campaigner for the greater representation of black and minority ethnic people in the entertainment industry.

Speaking virtually to an audience at the convention, he thanked the organisers for the award, saying: “For me, at Comic Relief the best moment was knowing the public was engaged. When we went over £3.5bn for the first time, our jaws just dropped. It showed how much hard work everyone had put in and we had done all of this together.”

Asked if he would do anything differently if he was setting up Comic Relief today, he said: “Now, of course, you would make it more diverse immediately. That has happened over time. People are more educated and woke. You would start with the same energy. I would just make it more inclusive. It’s going to happen more and more, local people telling their own stories.”

He saluted the younger generation for their generosity: “Young people especially are so engaged with giving. They’re going ‘I can do this. I can lend my voice to this’. We’ve seen that with Black Lives Matter and climate change. Even though they literally think I’m Idris Elba’s granddad, it’s their time.”

He ended by thanking fundraisers for all they do to make the world a better place. “Thank you to all fundraisers – you all rock!”

The institute’s Outstanding Contribution Award was given to Richard Taylor for his incredible service to the fundraising community. Saving lives one sniff at a time [ HYPO HOUNDS provide a viable health care alternative for children and their families by using their family pet – training their best friend to detect the subtle changes in the child’s blood sugar levels.

The dogs are trained to alert sleeping parents when the child’s sugar levels drop dangerously low or rise too high. This not only impacts on the child but also on the family’s ability to function as a unit, with the registered carer becoming the dog.

Hypo Hounds work is becoming nationally recognised and is literally saving the lives of children – one sniff at a time. q

Richard’s fundraising career began at Cancer Research UK, where he grew fundraising exponentially – eventually making it the first charity to exceed £500m in one year from voluntary income. He championed investment in fundraising, marketing and brand throughout his career and his work has provided great case studies for many charities to develop their own strategies and growth.

After nearly two decades at Cancer Research UK he moved to Macmillan Cancer Support, and continued his success, growing income in a much more challenging environment. He now works as a coach providing support to leaders across the sector.

While delivering the award during a live virtual plenary at Fundraising Convention Online, Claire Rowney, chair of the institute, shared why Richard was a worthy winner.

“I am honoured and delighted that Richard Taylor has received the award,” she said. “He has made a contribution to fundraising personally and professionally that spans many years and has touched literally thousands of fundraisers’ lives and millions of charity beneficiaries’ lives.”

Richard was nominated by peers from across the fundraising community.

Fundraising Convention Online also saw the Annual General Meeting of the Chartered Institute of Fundraising, at which a number of new appointments were confirmed.

Claire Rowney, executive director of fundraising, marketing and communications at Macmillan Cancer Support, was installed as the new chair. She took over from Amanda Bringans, director of fundraising at the British Heart Foundation, whose three-year term came to an end this year.

Carol Akiwumi was appointed vice chair of the institute.

Isobel Michael – former secretary of the Institute of Fundraising South West Regional Group and now co-ordinator of Bath Fundraisers’ Group – was re-elected to serve a second three-year term as a trustee, while Nadine Campbell, chair of the Chartered Institute of Fundraising

Northern Ireland Group, was elected to her first term as a trustee. q

Daring rescue mission saves dozens of animals

[AT THE BEGINNING of 2019 the oldest zoo in Gaza – Rafah Zoo – attracted worldwide attention. It emerged that over 40 animals were suffering in terrible conditions, prompting over 150,000 people to demand immediate action. Fortunately, international animal charity FOUR PAWS were able to respond to that call.

A 14-month-old lioness had been permanently mutilated. The lioness (above left) had endured excruciating pain as her claws were removed with garden shears, leaving her mutilated forever. To make matters worse, four newly-born lion cubs had frozen to death. There was no proper nutrition, medical care or shelter, leaving the animals severely neglected.

The zoo, in the Gaza Strip, had suffered frequent damage from bombings and other military action during the on-going conflict there. Some animals had even been killed by rocket fire, and many others had died from malnutrition and disease. The team at FOUR PAWS knew they had to act.

In its largest ever rescue, and after several months of careful preparation and negotiations, the FOUR PAWS team entered Gaza. A total of 47 animals – including five lions, monkeys, wolves and foxes – were brought to safety.

The declawed lioness and many other animals were brought to the Al Ma’wa Sanctuary for Nature and Wildlife in Jordan – a partnership between the Princess Alia Foundation and FOUR PAWS. Two lions made the long journey to the five-acre FOUR PAWS LIONSROCK Big Cat Sanctuary in South Africa (below): years of pain and neglect finally behind them.

Gifts in wills can enable FOUR PAWS to continue their groundbreaking rescue missions and help animals worldwide. q • To receive your legacy information booklet please call Joanne Royston on 020 7922 7954 or email joanne.royston@four-paws.org.uk