Variety Volunteer
773. Anne Keen-Arnold
Anne Keen-Arnold has raised over £500,000 for Variety, the Children’s Charity, to improve the lives of thousands of vulnerable children.
When Anne’s husband Desmond died in 1995, Anne resolved to channel her grief into a positive cause. Anne founded and subsequently chaired the South West England branch for Variety. She has organised over 200 events in the two decades she has been volunteering for the charity and has personally thanked every one of the hundreds of people who have donated to the South West branch. One of the branch’s greatest achievements under her leadership has been raising £250,000 for the Bristol Children’s Hospital.
In a personal letter to Anne, Prime Minister Theresa May said:
“Through the hundreds of events you have organised, you have raised over £500,000 for Variety, improving the lives of thousands of vulnerable children. The way you have gone about your work in memory of your husband is truly inspiring, and you should be very proud of the tremendous impact your work has achieved.”
Nicholas Shattock, Chair of the Board of Trustees of Variety, the Children’s Charity, said:
“We are delighted that Anne has received this well-deserved recognition for her many years of service to the children of South West England. She has worked tirelessly to make a significant difference in her community and we are proud that she is part of the Variety family”.