THE Beacon Fellowship Charitable Trust has launched its search for this year's winner of the Beacon Prize for Wales. The charity is asking the public to nominate people they know who have made a significant contribution to charity, whether giving of their time, money or skills, with great effect for Wales. Nominations will close on November 1.
There will be winners in six categories, plus regional prizes for Wales, Northern Ireland, England and Scotland, and the overall winner will receive £20,000 to donate to the charity of his or her choice. Last year's winner of the Beacon Prize for Wales was Sir David Rowe-Beddoe, who was rewarded for his contribution to the economic and social development of Wales, and in particular for his work as chairman of the Wales Millennium Centre.
By uncovering and recognising extraordinary achievements in the world of charity, Beacon is encouraging a culture of giving in Wales. Research into the first year's Beacon Prize reveals a 'Beacon Effect': by shining a light on Wales's unsung charity heroes, the profile of their causes is raised. This in turn has resulted in an increased commitment to those causes and to an upturn in giving generally.
Beacon has shown that news of the achievements of remarkable individuals encourages us all to do more. But to spread the news, Beacon needs the public to nominate those they know who have done fantastic things for others.
Do you know someone who deserves the Beacon Prize? • Perhaps a young person who has used his/her time and talent in a creative way to help others? • Or a person who retired, then, with energy and originality, transformed things in your community? • Or someone who has used their entrepreneurial skills to help transform a charity? • Perhaps someone who has inspired his/her family, across the generations, to give? • Has someone you know come up with a great idea that has changed lives for the better? Whatever the story, Beacon wants to hear about it. In addition to the regional prizes, categories for nomination include Leadership, Community Builder, Creative Giving, New Initiatives, Family Philanthropy and Young Philanthropist.
If you'd like to nominate someone for the Beacon Prize 2005/6, please visit http://www.beaconfellowship.org.uk">www.beaconfellowship.org.uk for a nomination form. Alternatively you can email [email protected]">[email protected] or telephone 020 7849 6560. Nomination forms should be returned to Beacon by November 1.
This year's overall winner, Professor Peter Guthrie, received a £20,000 cheque at the prize-giving ceremony in July 2005. He was chosen for his work with the charity RedR, which sends engineers to assist in disaster zones all over the world.