2015-16
YEAR IN
REVIEW
1
Note from the co-chairs
It has been another very exciting
year for our Circle. Over the past 12
months we have supported
a number of significant causes
at home and internationally through
the work of the British Red Cross. As
the new co-chairs, we are very proud
to take the Circle forward in its next
stage of development.
Since our founding, we have not
only shown our ability to unite for those in need, but we have
developed into a stronger and more generous group every
year. We are delighted to officially announce that the
Tiffany Circle has raised £1.5 million to date.
This year, we have made strides in supporting disaster
preparedness in Nepal and providing sustainable sources of
clean water in communities in Bangladesh and Kenya. We
have also continued to support vulnerable women and children
in South Africa as well as here in the UK.
We would like to thank Dr Sindy Newman for her dedication
and tireless work on behalf of the Tiffany Circle as its first chair.
The British Red Cross board of trustees has presented her
with The Distinguished Service Badge of Honour, which is a
testament to her passion, energy and generosity.
This year of achievement could not have happened without
every member’s enthusiasm and determination to help people
in crisis, so thank you all!
With best wishes,
Patricia Cobian
Tiffany Circle co-chair
Margaret Johnson OBE
Tiffany Circle co-chair
3
Events
11 March 2015
Tiffany Circle Ambassadors’
Lunch, J.P. Morgan
Tiffany Circle ambassadors, Lady
Lamport and Pinky Lilani CBE,
welcomed a small group of successful
women to a lunch at J.P. Morgan in
Knightsbridge. Attendees were able to hear more about the work of the
British Red Cross and the Tiffany Circle. The women came from a range of
backgrounds and professions including media, communications, fashion,
property, medical and retail.
“The ambassadors’ event was informal, professional and had an
air of credibility given it was for the Red Cross. The passion of the
Tiffany Circle members attending was infectious. It was fantastic that
J.P. Morgan sponsored this.”
I would like to thank the committee
and the Red Cross team for helping
us achieve such
an impressive and professional
fashion event. It helped contribute
vital funds for the Red Cross –
it was a very successful evening!
Jo Scott-Weston, Young Tiffany
Circle member
Soraya Shamji, steering committee member
5 June 2015
Good Look Fashion Show, Four Seasons Hotel
The Young Tiffany Circle’s first fundraising event, organised
by a committee of members, celebrated emerging talent and
established fashion brands by featuring pieces from designers
across London.
Guests enjoyed a lively reception in the ballroom at the Four
Seasons Park Lane before sitting down to watch the stylish
catwalk show. Afterwards, guests could also purchase key pieces
from the catwalk.
The Young Tiffany Circle raised a staggering £18,000 in total,
including through sales at a fashion pop-up ‘Good Shop’ at Box
Park Shoreditch.
5
Meet some of the Tiffany Circle members
Christa Hotton
Young Tiffany Circle member
Professor Dr Geeta Nargund
Steering committee member
8 June 2015
Inspiring Philanthropy Panel Discussion,
The Savoy Hotel
Held in The Savoy’s stunning surroundings, our panel discussion centred
on how women are harnessing the power of philanthropy to inspire action
in the world around them.
The event was hosted by Bloomberg’s Nejra Cehic. Panellists
India Gary-Martin, Baroness Mary Goudie and Anne-Marie
Kruk enlightened guests with stories about their personal sources of
philanthropic inspiration. They also shared their views on ways to inspire
others to give, volunteer and take positive action.
Viviane Joynes, a former consultant in investor relations, spoke about her
personal experience of running across Europe to retrace her grandmother’s
journey as a refugee and raise funds for the British Red Cross.
Guests had the opportunity to network before and after the
discussion. Tiffany Circle members were featured in an article in the
Mayfair Times, our media partner for the night.
“I found the evening so positive and there was such a buzz in the
room. It was extremely interesting and encouraging not only to
hear the speakers but also to listen to Viviane Joynes, who was
truly inspiring.” Julia Chute, Tiffany Circle member
Geeta is the medical director of
CREATE Fertility, as well as a
senior consultant gynaecologist
and lead consultant for
reproductive medicine services
at St George’s Hospital, London.
In February she was named one
of the Top 10 Most Influential
Asian Women in Britain. She
cares deeply about and has been
actively involved with charities
in the UK and overseas which
promote education, women’s
health and development, equality
and social mobility.
“I joined the Tiffany Circle to
contribute to British Red Cross
projects making a difference to
the lives of women and children
and to help communicate their
exceptional work in the UK. It is
a great opportunity to be part
of this amazing humanitarian
network.”
Christa was born in Finland
and attended Oslo International
School in Norway before
moving to Surrey, England.
While studying law at the
University of Exeter, she took
part in initiatives such as the
Debt Literacy Project and
the Commercial Awareness
Business Challenge. Having
completed the legal practice
course at the College of Law,
Moorgate, Christa is now an
associate at Allen & Overy
LLP, London.
“There is something incredibly
special and powerful about
being part of a network of
women where every single
member really cares about
making a difference and is
willing to share her time, talent
and wisdom to make things
happen.”
7
15 June 2015
British Red Cross Summer Garden Party,
Westminster Abbey
In the beautiful setting of the College Garden at Westminster Abbey, the
British Red Cross hosted its Summer Garden Party. The evening was the
perfect opportunity for chief executive Mike Adamson and chair David
Bernstein CBE to tell supporters about the British Red Cross’ new five year
strategy ‘Refusing to Ignore People in Crisis’.
Tiffany members were able to hear about the lives changed by the work of
the British Red Cross’ UK and international teams, which is made possible
by their support.
“The British Red Cross Summer Garden Party at Westminster Abbey
was an opportunity to meet a few of the many dedicated volunteers
and learn how they support British Red Cross work. One leaves feeling
part of a great, dynamic and life-enhancing organisation.”
Donna Bompas, Tiffany Circle member
Tiffany Circle supports:
PREPARING FOR
EMERGENCIES IN NEPAL
In April last year, a huge 7.8
magnitude earthquake devastated
Nepal, affecting nearly six million
people. Many people don’t realise
that Nepal is also prone to other
natural disasters such as floods
and landslides. With one in four
people in the country living in
poverty, preparing communities for
emergencies is crucial.
In the Jhapa region, flooding is
a major problem. Our project in
Jhapa will help 54,000 people living
in 6 vulnerable rural communities
over three years. It starts by
teaching valuable skills such as how
to prepare for and stay safe during
floods, fires and other emergencies.
We will also ensure families have
access to clean water and toilet
facilities, as well as providing health
education to teach people about
the importance of hygiene and
keeping water clean.
To improve the wellbeing of women
and children, the project will help
people identify and deal with
common medical conditions and
danger signs during pregnancy
and birth. In addition, local first aid
services will be established.
For economically vulnerable
families, the Red Cross will
distribute cash grants. Women are
particularly at risk after a disaster,
as men from the region often go
abroad to earn extra money, leaving
them with sole responsibility for
their children, livestock and homes.
Cash grants will give vulnerable
families greater independence
during disaster recovery and help
them rebuild their businesses and
livelihoods.
9
Tiffany Circle members
across the UK:
Tiffany Circle
in numbers:
Berkshire,
Buckinghamshire,
Essex, East Sussex,
Gloucestershire,
Hampshire, Jersey,
Kent, Lancashire,
Leicestershire, London,
Northumberland, Surrey
28 members,
two ambassadors,
three special advisors
Tiffany Circle members have
supported Red Cross programmes
in ten countries: the UK, Sierra
Leone, South Africa, Somalia,
Mongolia, Myanmar, Bangladesh,
Kenya, Nepal and Timor-Leste.
Being our voice – advocating for British Red Cross
causes and helping us build connections
Over £1.5 million raised
so far for people in crisis
Tiffany Circle members have helped us make over
400 new connections to individuals, trusts and companies
Volunteering – Tiffany Circle members are also:
1
organising
and hosting
their own
events
2
sitting on
committees for
other British Red
Cross activities
Transforming lives around the world since 2012
Tiffany Circle funding has
provided shelter to
vulnerable communities
in extreme weather
created access to clean
water and sanitation in
rural communities
helped rural communities
prepare for future natural
disasters
provided health
services and specialist
care for pregnant women
and children
given emotional support
and relief items to
refugee women
tackled gender-based
violence in communities
affected by HIV and TB
Young Tiffany Circle
in numbers:
14 pilot members
£33,000 raised in year one
six fundraising events hosted
200 tickets sold for the
Good Look Fashion Show
3
offering their time and
expertise to support
British Red Cross
work in the UK
CANADA
UK
FRANCE
U.S.A.
AUSTRALIA
International reach of the Tiffany Circle
The Tiffany Circle is a global network of philanthropic women supporting
their Red Cross national societies to help people in crisis. Since the
inception of the American Circle in 2006, others have been created in
Canada, the UK, France and Australia with 904 members worldwide.
Eighteen other countries from across the globe have indicated an interest
in starting a Tiffany Circle of their own.
The diversity of the network is key to its success; members are able
to exchange specialist knowledge between circles and form lasting
bonds with one another. This year saw the creation of the Tiffany Circle
International Council, which will facilitate the sharing of ideas and support
the creation of new circles.
More than $76.9 million has been raised by the five circles so far.
The growing Tiffany Circle network has helped countless people affected
by crisis and has become a truly transformational movement.
2-3 October 2015
Tiffany Circle Summit, Washington D.C.
Five of our members attended the Tiffany Circle Summit hosted by the
American Red Cross. The event brought together women from around
the world to form friendships, share ideas and learn from collective best
practices. The keynote speaker was Christine Lagarde, the managing
director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and named by Forbes
as the sixth most powerful woman in the world.
“I highly recommend attending the Tiffany Circle Washington D.C.
Summit. It was an amazing privilege and a great adventure. We
were royally entertained with outstanding speakers, enlightening
workshops and elegant gala dinners. It was such fun to meet and
become friends with so many like-minded and fascinating women
from around the globe.” Donna Bompas, Tiffany Circle member
13
4 November 2015
Tiffany Circle Third Anniversary, Lancaster House
The third anniversary of the Tiffany Circle was held at Lancaster House
in St James’s, which is part of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.
Guests were able to admire the magnificently preserved town house
and beautiful paintings over drinks before enjoying a wonderful dinner.
Dr Helen Durham, the first female director of international law
and policy at the International Committee of the Red Cross, gave a
powerful speech demonstrating her resilience and optimism when
faced with great challenges in her work.
Tiffany Circle supports:
GIVING MOTHERS AND
CHILDREN A HEALTHY
START IN MYANMAR
In one of the poorest countries
in the world, mothers, pregnant
women and children face huge
health risks. One in 500 women
die during childbirth in Myanmar
and the rate of death for children
under five is incredibly high.
Really great Tiffany event – marvellous people,
marvellous atmosphere in a marvellous setting.
Mike Adamson, British Red Cross chief executive
Many women in rural areas have
inadequate access to health care
and midwives. They face long
journeys to their nearest clinic or
hospital, made more difficult by
poor road conditions and limited
public transport. Moreover,
shortages of trained staff and
equipment in rural health centres
mean that some women cannot
get care until it is too late.
With our help, a Red Cross
programme is bringing essential
health services to 78 remote
communities and helping 30,000
people a year. Mothers are being
supported before, during and
after birth. Local midwives and
health workers now have funds
for their transport and vaccination
programmes, making them better
equipped to tackle common
diseases. The Red Cross is also
providing people with better
access to clean water as well as
teaching life-saving information
about improving hygiene
practices.
15
Meet some of the Tiffany Circle members
Julia Chute
Tiffany Circle member
Julia has been involved in charity work for a number
of years. In 2000, Julia co-founded BUGS (Burns Unit
Group Support), a charity and support group for adults
and children based at Salisbury Hospital. She also
took part in the NHS National Burns Care Review in
2001 and has continued to support burns patients in
many other ways. Julia joined the Tiffany Circle in 2015
because of her interest in supporting work in Nepal.
Alexandra Lamport
Young Tiffany Circle member
Alexandra studied history at the University of
Exeter and history of art at the British Institute in
Florence. Having held numerous work experience
positions within the arts and heritage sector,
Alexandra completed a nine-month internship at
Christie’s. She has worked as publishing assistant
at Halcyon Gallery, Bond Street and a marketing executive at the
Ingenious Group. Alexandra has recently started as a marketing associate
at LendInvest.
“Taking part in the Young Tiffany pilot scheme was such a rewarding
experience. We learned so much over the year: from putting on our
first joint event, to how to be part of a committee to reaching our
own fundraising targets. We also met some inspirational women
and visited some amazing places along the way. With a year of
experience to draw on, I’m really excited about what more can be
achieved in the year to come …”
Freddie Linnett
Humanity member
Pupils in Nepal learn how to take shelter from an earthquake.
I was introduced to the Tiffany Circle by Angela
Lamport, a long-standing friend, and had been lucky
enough to attend a couple of events over the past few
years. I was interested particularly in the new Nepal
programme chosen last year by the Circle as
I have had links with the Kanti Children’s hospital
burns patients in Kathmandu as well as with
the Ghurkha Trust. The Red Cross’ longterm commitment to helping and educating
communities to become better prepared for
potential future floods and earthquakes, as
well as building resilience to improve people’s
livelihoods really appealed to me.
After a successful career in property investment
as a director at Charles Street Buildings Group,
Freddie helped set up the Haramead Trust. As
a trustee, she has been able to see the work of
the Red Cross and Red Crescent as well as a
number of other charities in the developing world.
“Having seen the work of the Red Cross in action in Bangladesh,
meeting operatives from the offices and field workers, my husband
and I were very impressed by their commitment and sincerity. We
have supported the Red Cross for many years and will continue
to do so.”
17
Tiffany Circle supports:
TRAFFICKED WOMEN
IN THE UK
12 March 2016
Young Tiffany Circle
Personal Branding
Workshop
Shockingly human trafficking
and modern slavery exists within
the UK. Women are the most
at risk of being trafficked, most
frequently for the purpose of
sexual exploitation as well as
domestic servitude. British Red
Cross caseworkers support
trafficked people after anti-
Young Tiffany Circle member
Naomi Kerbel, Head of TV
Newsgathering for Business at
Bloomberg, organised a unique
fundraising event featuring oneto-one sessions with expert
leadership and development
coaches. Guests took advice
on revamping their digital
presence, both personally and
professionally, before having
their hair and make-up done and
professional photographs taken.
trafficking raids, providing
emotional support, food and
other basic essentials. Survivors
are also given psychosocial and
legal support to ensure they are
protected and can start rebuilding
their lives.
Refugees and asylum seekers
are especially susceptible to
trafficking so Tiffany Circle is
helping the British Red Cross
to expand these services, in
particular for vulnerable women.
22 March 2016
Young Tiffany Circle
Reception, the Dior
Beauty Boutique
Dior kindly hosted a champagne
reception at their boutique in
Covent Garden, which brought
together Young Tiffany Circle
members and their friends.
Together they celebrated a very
successful pilot year and learned
about plans for the coming year.
Guests heard from one of the
founding members of the Tiffany
Circle, Anne Balfour.
19
Thank you...
Tiffany Circle steering
committee members
Anne Balfour (lifetime)
Patricia Cobian
Kyra Dickinson, OBE
Margaret Johnson, OBE (lifetime)
Professor Dr Geeta Nargund
Dr Sindy Newman (lifetime)
Amanda Nicholson, DL (lifetime)
Soraya Shamji
Tiffany Circle members
Georgina Andrews
Quenelda Avery (lifetime)
Dame Margaret Barbour
Donna Bompas
Barbara Bovender (lifetime)
Julia Chute
Dr Maggie Cochrane
Denise DeRoy-Parker (lifetime)
Hilary Douglas, CB
Jennifer Fox (lifetime)
Freddie Linnett (humanity)
Annie Mackeson-Sandbach (humanity)
Leyla Marrs
Kim McFarland
Meredeth Moss
Verity Nicholson
Alexandra Oldroyd
Lizzie Philip-Sorensen (lifetime)
Gaynor Scott
Elspeth Straker
Cathy Sullivan
Tiffany Circle ambassadors
Lady Lamport
Pinky Lilani, CBE DL
Tiffany Circle special advisors
to the steering committee
India Gary-Martin
Jennifer Ploszaj
Alisa Swidler
All of the members of the
Young Tiffany Circle Pilot
Thanks also to
Balthazar London
Jane Boardman & Talk PR
Create Food
Selma Day & The Mayfair Times
Dior
Dr Helen Durham
Four Seasons Hotel
Baroness Mary Goudie
J.P. Morgan
Viviane Joynes
Anne-Marie Kruk
Lancaster House
The Nicky Clarke Team
The Savoy Hotel
SPACE Model Management
Westminster Abbey
British Red Cross
44 Moorfields
London
EC2Y 9AL
Tel 020 7877 7106
Fax 020 7562 2055
redcross.org.uk/tiffanycircle
[email protected]
Published 2016
Tiffany Circle is a fundraising initiative of the British Red Cross.
The British Red Cross Society, incorporated by Royal Charter 1908,
is a charity registered in England and Wales (220949),
Scotland (SC037738) and Isle of Man (0752).
Email: [email protected]
Tel: 020 7877 7029