National recognition for seven-year-old star
Updated: 12 Jun 2023
Swadlincote resident, and member of Burton-on-Trent Oddfellows, Effie Bowman has been awarded the Making a Difference award for 'Giving Something Back' by the Fraternal Board of the Society, in recognition of her dedication to fundraising.
Seven-year-old Effie (pictured), has been presented with the prestigious Oddfellows Making a Difference Award for ‘Giving something back’. The national award celebrates individuals who selflessly give their time to, or raise money for, good causes.
Speaking about her daughter’s award win, Effie’s mum, Donna says: “Effie is such a special girl, who genuinely wants to make the world a better place. Her empathy and selflessness gives her a real drive to correct social injustice wherever she sees it. She was so surprised to hear she had won an award as she’s extremely humble and knows that there are lots of people out there helping others.”
Effie with her mum Donna, and younger siblings Seth and India
Effie has been fundraising in a myriad of ways since the age of 4 and is well-known to the members of her local Branch. They say that she is a born philanthropist, with a mature and genuine love of humankind. Always thinking of how she can help others, she’s frequently coming up with ways to support local charities, most recently raising money for Burton’s YMCA by walking and running the length of Hadrian’s Wall during lockdown. She is also a skilled harp player, having achieved Grade 7 in June this year.
Effie is such a special girl, who genuinely wants to make the world a better place. Donna, Effie's mum
Mervyn Eaton, Branch Secretary for the Burton-on-Trent Oddfellows, says: “Effie’s big heart and huge talent is wonderful to see in somebody so young. She makes us all smile, and we couldn’t be more proud of her win.”
Oddfellows CEO Jane Nelson joins in her praise of Effie, saying: “Effie’s achievements at such a young age are outstanding. She always looks at ways in which she can step in to help others, and we’re incredibly proud of her. She’s a real credit to the Society, and we’re looking forward to seeing what she gets up to next!”
Effie and Mervyn, Branch Secretary for Burton-on-Trent Oddfellows
The winners of the Making a Difference Awards have been invited to the Oddfellows Annual Moveable Conference in May 2021 to be formally presented with their award, after this year’s event was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
With over 200 years’ experience of helping its community, the Oddfellows understands how important it is for people to get together regularly and to socialise. They hold regular events and activities in the area, with an open invitation for anyone to give them a try. To find out more and to receive a free information pack, contact Membership on 0800 028 1810 or email membership@oddfellows.co.uk.