Christian Aid is celebrating after winning an award for its work encouraging people to leave gifts in Wills.
Training Specialist Kathy Childress was named Legacy Professional of the Year at the Smee and Ford Legacy Giving Awards 2024.
Smee and Ford works with charities, offering support on legacy giving, from fundraising strategy to administration once a charity has been named in a Will.
These accolades recognise and celebrate outstanding achievement and skill in the legacy sector and Christian Aid was also a finalist in the Best Campaign category, for its Faith Will initiative.
Legacy Fundraising Lead Kerry McMenamin explained: “We were really excited to be finalists in two categories and thrilled when Kathy was announced Legacy Professional of the Year.
“She thoroughly deserves the title, her passion for legacy giving is infectious. She has the ability to inspire others with the same passion and confidence, making it easier for people to talk about gifts in Wills. She’s an absolute star and we’re so lucky to have her in our team.”
Kathy, from Muswell Hill, picked up her award at a ceremony at Hilton Bankside, London.
She said: “It’s such an honour to be recognised in this way and quite unexpected. I can honestly say I love the work I do, encouraging support of Christian Aid through gifts in Wills. It is a joy and an inspiration to see the kindness and generosity of our supporters reflected in these special gifts. And I am thoroughly convinced of the transformational difference we make by leaving such a gift– so to me it’s a pleasure to help others on this journey.’’
Christian Aid was also shortlisted for Campaign of the Year for its Faith Will initiative - which launched last year. More than 200 churches up and down the country signed up to a new partnership to create local and global change through gifts in Wills.
It’s a pioneering collaboration between Christian Aid, the Church of Scotland, Church of England, the Quakers – and this year, the United Reformed Church, in which church leaders, from all four denominations, invite members of their congregations to consider leaving a gift to their church and to Christian Aid.
Churches around the UK hold ‘Faith Will’ moments to explore how people could leave a lasting legacy which would benefit their community as well as global neighbours.
Smee & Ford says the awards provide charities with independent validation of their hard work and commitment to legacy giving and help to benchmark achievements with peers across the UK.
Polly Avgherinos, Managing Director, said: “It’s been wonderful to see the positive response for these awards from the sector with a significant increase in participation producing more entries, more judges, more attendees and more finalists this year.
“The unique work of legacy teams has not always been widely understood and appreciated, so we’re delighted Kathy has been recognised in an exceptional field of nominees, each showcasing successes and achievements this last year.”
