In September we started a new Ambassador of the Month campaign, to further recognise the amazing work our Ambassadors are doing.
Each month we’ll select one Ambassador to speak to, asking them about their time at LandAid and highlighting something exceptional they’ve done.
Our first Ambassador of the Month was Anna Stewart from BNP Paribas Real Estate, our second Ambassadors of the Month were Alexander Barnes and Joseph Round, from Gerald Eve LLP and our third Ambassador of the Month was Kitty Kent from PwC.
We’re really pleased to announce our fourth Ambassador of the Month, Sophie Walker from Gerald Eve LLP! We selected Sophie in part because of her fantastic efforts in organising a treasure hunt in Manchester, smashing her fundraising target and raising valuable funds to end youth homelessness.
We asked her some questions about her time as a LandAid Ambassador so far. Check out her answers below.
Why did you get involved in the LandAid Ambassador programme?
As a CSR representative for the regional offices at Gerald Eve, I was asked whether I would be interested in becoming a LandAid Ambassador for the North West region. Around three years ago, I attended an introductory presentation hosted by LandAid, which informally discussed all the amazing work that they do and all the projects that they are helping to fund nationally. After LandAid explained how they wanted to expand nationally and move away from being London-centric, I knew I definitely wanted to be involved in any way I can.
What has been the most enjoyable thing you’ve done as an Ambassador and what fundraising idea you’ve seen someone else undertake for LandAid most impressed you?
For the past three years, I have organised the Manchester Property Quiz, with much-needed assistance from the other North West Ambassadors. It started out in 2016 with 50 people attending and raising £800. At the 2018 quiz, we had 130 people attend and raised over £4,500. I thoroughly enjoy organising it every year and I love to see how well-received the event is. Next year’s will be bigger and better again, I am sure!
I was extremely impressed by this year’s LandAid Gala Dinner, hosted by the LandAid North West Board. It was their very first event to date and it raised an incredible £32,000!! The event was amazingly organised and got wonderful feedback from all the attendees. I understand the 2019 dinner is already in the making!
Why would you say other people should become LandAid Ambassadors, and what has your proudest moment as an Ambassador been?
For me, being a LandAid Ambassador has been a fantastic opportunity. Not only have I been able to fundraise for a wonderful, worthwhile cause, but I’ve also worked alongside so many others in the property industry and have grown my network of contacts immensely. I have had the privilege of visiting LandAid-funded projects across the North West, witnessing first-hand how the funds we raise make such a huge difference to people’s lives.
My proudest achievement as an Ambassador was when I won the LandAid Ambassador Award for Supporting LandAid Nationally. It came as a massive surprise to be nominated for the award in the first place, but then to win was a real honour.
If you’d like to tell us about something you’ve done which you think qualifies you as our Ambassador of the Month, or you’d like to nominate another Ambassador you think is worthy of the accolade, then email Callum Harvey and let him know.