Our inspirational Chairman Eddie Donaldson has been awarded an OBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours for his significant and demanding portfolio of charity work.
Eddie first became involved with Create in 2011. He generously gave of his time and expertise to support me with my strategic thinking, enabling me to write a business plan that set out ambitious development plans for the charity.
Eddie was appointed Chairman in 2012, since when he has helped lead Create through a period of transformation. We have become a multi-award winning national charity; our income and workshop delivery have increased by over 125%; and in 2018, we were shortlisted for the Charity Times Charity of the Year award. Eddie’s contribution has been exceptional. He is a committed, experienced leader and an inspirational role model, who is deeply committed to the values of the charity. He shares his expertise generously.
Since his retirement from KPMG in 2010, Eddie has devoted a huge amount of time, energy and expertise to charities as Chairman, Treasurer and Trustee, including Create, RNLI and XLP.
Eddie told me: ‘It’s an honour to receive an OBE for my charity work. I am immensely proud to be able to help such fantastic organisations, which make such a difference to people’s lives. As Chairman of Create, I’m grateful for the opportunity to support its vital work using the creative arts to give agency to so many disadvantaged and vulnerable children and adults each year. It’s a privilege to have the opportunity through Create to play my part with others in helping to paint a bright future for so many.”
I am thrilled that Eddie has been recognised for the enormous amount of charity work that he undertakes. Create and the other charities to which he dedicates so much time, expertise and commitment are incredibly fortunate to benefit from all he contributes as a volunteer.
Nicky Goulder
Founding Chief Executive