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2024 has been a significant milestone in the history of HOPE, marking a quarter of a century since humanitarian Maureen Forrest established a protection programme for 13 vulnerable young women who were living on the streets of Kolkata.
Twenty-five years later, the organisation’s reach and impact has expanded exponentially. HOPE now implements 58 holistic development programmes in Kolkata, reaching the most disadvantaged people through partnerships with local communities and delivery partners.
In 25 years, HOPE has positively impacted the lives of 3 million individuals, including helping nearly 100,000 children access quality education.
In recognition of these tremendous achievements, both Maureen and the HOPE team have been recipients of several awards this year. Here is our round-up of the awards:
Women Entrepreneur of the Year – Bengal’s Pride Awards
In July 2024, HOPE founder Maureen Forrest was named Women Entrepreneur of the Year at the sixth annual Bengal’s Pride Awards.
The accolade recognised Maureen’s 25 years of “compassion and unwavering determination, innovation and success” and her contribution to the Bengali community.
The award was collected on the behalf of Maureen by HOPE’s CEO of International Operations, Maura Lennon, at a prestigious ceremony at the House of Commons.
Favourite Yoga Charity – OM Yoga Awards
HOPE supporters and members of the public voted for HOPE UK to be named Favourite Yoga Charity at the OM Yoga Awards in October, recognising our annual Yoga for HOPE campaign and its impact on street-connected children in Kolkata.
The award – which was presented at a ceremony at London’s Alexandra Palace on 19 October – was collected on the behalf of HOPE UK by Head of Fundraising, Juliette Whittaker, and yoga teacher supporters Jan May and Zephyr Wildman.
Joyee 2024 Award for Excellence in Caregiving
The team from Hope Hospital were honoured to accept the Excellence in Caregiving award for the second year running, in June 2024.
The prestigious award was presented by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) in association with the Indian Women Network (IWN). It recognised HOPE’s ongoing voluntary efforts, unwavering commitment, and invaluable contributions to society in Kolkata.
Outstanding Contribution to Social Consciousness – The Eastern India Leadership Awards
Colleagues at Hope Kolkata Foundation were proud to, once again, receive the award for Outstanding Contribution to Social Consciousness at The Eastern India Leadership Awards.
These annual awards recognise leaders & organisations who have contributed value and change for sustainable growth.
Humanitarian of the Year Award – West Bengal Federation of United Nations Associations (WEBFUNA) Awards 2024
Hope Kolkata Foundation was named Humanitarian of the Year at the West Bengal Federation of United Nations Associations (WEBFUNA) Awards 2024.
The award recognised HOPE’s “development of street children through Protection, Education & Healthcare, like skill training and recreational activities, ensuring equitable quality education”.
Corporate Charity Partnership of the Year – Charities Institute of Ireland’s Charity Excellence Awards
HOPE’s incredible partnership with Specsavers Ireland was named Corporate Charity Partnership of the Year, celebrating the creation and delivery of the Blindness Eradication Programme run in community based camps and special eye clinics at Hope Hospital.
The programme has reached nearly 50,000 people from disadvantaged communities. More than 16,500 medicines have been dispensed, almost 27,500 people have received glasses and 2180 people have had life-changing eye surgery.
Humanitarian Heroine Award – Hi Style Women of Vision Awards
HOPE founder Maureen Forrest’s ground-breaking work in Kolkata was celebrated at the Hi Style Women of Vision Awards in May 2024, where she was named Humanitarian Heroine.
