Working on tsunami response inspired Award-winning idea
Linda Richardson, an aid consultant from Edinburgh, has scooped a coveted honour at this year’s Bond International Development Awards.
Bond is the leading UK membership body for organisations working in international development. The 439 members range from Oxfam, Save the Children and UNICEF UK, to a wide selection of smaller local charities.
Linda, 65 was shortlisted alongside her co-founder Gill Price for their innovative work creating All in Diary (AID) an information guide for people working in large-scale disaster situations. Linda used her own experience of working in emergencies to create the first issue which was put together in her basement in Edinburgh.
Linda said: “I feel very honoured to receive this award, and delighted for the recognition it gives to All In Diary, and to the very many individuals and organisations who have supported and encouraged us since 2005.
“What this journey has taught me is the phenomenal power of volunteering. Gill and I made a commitment to support people responding to crises by providing easy access to essential up-to-date humanitarian guidance, but what motivated us to continue was the generous support we received from others in volunteering their expertise, advice, time, talent and resources.”
Now in its sixth year, the awards celebrate the exceptional work undertaken in the development sector that often goes unrecognised. The Volunteer Award specifically honors the hidden heroes giving up their time and donating their skills, often in challenging and demanding environments.
Linda and Gill collected their award at a ceremony in London on Monday.
Mike Wright, Director of Communications at Bond, says: “Each year we are delighted and humbled by the winner in this category. It is a great reflection of the hard work that goes on, often behind the scenes, by so many dedicated volunteers like Linda and Gill.
“It is a genuine pleasure to be honoring them and their fellow volunteers by shining a light on the inspirational people doing incredible work in development.”
The Bond International Development Awards form part of Bond Annual Conference, Europe’s biggest international development event, bringing together diverse organisations and thinkers to share ideas and discuss emerging trends in the international development and humanitarian sectors.
Full details on all finalists can be found here:
