J.K. Rowling receives Humanitarian Award from British Red Cross

On Tuesday, March 10, J.K. Rowling was awarded the British Red Cross Humanity Award for her work through Lumos and the Ann Volant Charitable Trust. The Red Cross bestowed Ms. Rowling with this award for her significant work with advocating humanitarian causes. As we know Lumos works to free children from institutionalized care, and put them into loving family homes. Ms. Rowling has contributed to many other causes in addition to Lumos, through her Volant Charitable Trust, being president of the Gingerbread charity, and other personal philanthropy. The Red Cross reported on their website:

The award honours prominent philanthropists and humanitarians whose work has changed people’s lives across the world.

The author – made famous by the Harry Potterseries of books – was chosen to receive the award in recognition of both her charitable work and advocacy for humanitarian issues.

J.K. Rowling is founder and president of the international charity Lumos, which works to transform the lives of disadvantaged children across the world. She is also president of the Gingerbread charity for one-parent families

Active in charities:

In 2000, the writer set up the Volant Charitable Trust, which supports a wide number of causes related to inequality and social deprivation. The trust has supported the Red Cross and its disaster appeals over a number of years.

Previous recipients of the British Red Cross Humanity Award have included Nelson Mandela, Sir Bob Geldof and Archbishop Desmond Tutu.

J.K. Rowling was presented with her award by British Red Cross chief executive Mike Adamson in Edinburgh today.

‘Distinguished company’

Following the presentation, J.K. Rowling said: “I have long admired the impact of the Red Cross’ work in the aftermath of conflict or a disaster, and it is a privilege to help support it.

“I am truly honoured to accept this Red Cross Humanity Award and to find myself in such distinguished company.”

Mike Adamson added: “Few people can have touched as many lives through their generosity and courage to speak out as J.K. Rowling – she is an inspiration to others.”

J.K. Rowling documented the award on her facebook page: