Our friend Claire was passionate about global social justice and advancing social change. She worked both professionally and as a volunteer on many inspiring projects around the world: from informal education in Zimbabwe to monitoring ethical standards in factories in Guatemala; from campaigning for fair trade to educating the Jewish community to take action on global poverty. Claire loved connecting with people from diverse cultures in the various places she worked and she viewed the issues she worked on through a lens of justice and fairness. We will therefore be looking to support international projects which empower local communities and advance sustainable development through models of fair trade and ethical business practices.
In addition to her work in international development, Claire also chose to channel her painful personal experience of wrestling with mental illness to advancing social change. She worked as a trainer raising awareness and breaking taboos about mental illness. In this role, Claire touched many people’s lives as an expert who was also a personal role model and an inspiration to all. We will seek to support projects which can demonstrate affecting a change in attitudes to mental illness amongst their circles of impact.
Claire was tragically overtaken by her illness after the birth of her beloved son, when she relapsed and was overwhelmed by post-natal depression. We believe it is important that Claire’s Giving Circle will honour Claire’s practical and caring nature by supporting projects which apply such an approach to support new mothers at such a mentally vulnerable time.
The tragedy of Claire’s death was agonising for us all. But we hope that through Claire’s Giving Circle we will be able to pass forward Claire's values as a force for good in the world, just as they were in her life.
