We are absolutely delighted to announce that our founder and Honorary CEO Maureen Forrest has won The Graham Norton Gin Inspiring Charity Leader Award for 2019! The award recognises Maureen as one of Ireland’s most inspiring women. Everyone at HOPE is incredibly proud!
Below is the official announcement transcript.
20 years ago this year, our recipient tonight started an organisation that would change the lives of close to 3 million people. After her time as a fundraiser with a global relief organisation, she knew that the time has come to establish a dedicated organisation to help the street children of 35 slum communities. Since then and from an initial budget of €25,000 to run the organisation to its €2m of fundraising income today, the organisation has helped over 97,000 who have been treated in their Hospital. More than 55,000 children have received educational support through their crèches and programmes, more than 8,800 children have been protected from abuse and neglect and more than 7,200 young women and men have engaged in their training skills enhancement and income generation programmes to provide sustainable pathways out of poverty. A remarkable lady and someone that we the Judges are in awe of her ability to deliver and to change the lives of so many in Kolkata. Ladies & Gentlemen, The Graham Norton Gin Inspiring Charity Leader of 2019 is Maureen Forrest of The Hope Foundation.
