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At the annual reception for The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award International Association (IAA), Friends of the leading youth development charity were presented with certificates by HRH The Earl of Wessex KG KCVO, Chairman of the IAA’s International Council and Gillian Shirazi LVO, Secretary General of the IAA. The reception at The Canadian High Commission, Canada House, London was to extend special thanks to the IAA’s generous supporters who enable the continuous development of the worldwide Award Programme.

The IAA recognised donations from corporate Friends, including Fairmont Hotels & Resorts, PricewaterhouseCoopers, Technical Associates and the Halcyon Gallery, as well as from charitable trusts including The Stanley Ho Charitable Trust, The Dulverton Trust and The Sylvia Adams Charitable Trust. British Television presenter Alice Beer (pictured right with Gillian Shirazi) was also acknowledged for her individual support over the last year.

“Our Friends scheme is open to all corporates, trusts, foundations and individuals who make significant donations to the Award Programme worldwide,” commented Gillian Shirazi LVO. “These generous supporters share our mission to bring the Award to more young people globally; without their commitment we would not have been able to extend the Award into over 125 countries.”

The annual reception not only provides the IAA with an opportunity to show its appreciation but also communicates how continued commitment from donors is impacting young people’s lives worldwide. This year’s event was sponsored by David and Margaret Best, long-standing individual supporters of the Award Programme.