War Child UK, Wassail Fundraiser
Because Philanthropy Means More Than Partying.
War Child are driven by a single goal – to ensure a safe future for every child living through war. They work to protect, educate and stand up for the rights of children living through conflict and go to the hardest to reach places to support them. I have supported their work as their Creative Director and on their committee, for over a decade.
- Creative Direction
- Philanthropy Development
- Budget, Planning & Logistics
- Committee Member
It truly remains one of the most rewarding projects in my portfolio and I am proud to be known as a ‘Wassailer’.
It has been a privilege to support War Child UK since 2014 and their global ambassadors, to creatively direct a unique event that raises significant funds for children in conflict zones. This flagship event is an opportunity for War Child to gather key donors together, to stage an immersive fundraising experience that has become known as the industry’s leading philanthropic showcase.
Being called upon for my creativity and skills in aesthetic design, my task has been to elevate the guest experience, to deliver an impeccable dining concept and to always creatively honour the true essence of what a Wassail is, the coming together of friends. Working alongside a charity that is very close to my heart, bringing global ambassadors’ Carey Mulligan and Marcus Mumford’s’ vision to life, is a constant pleasure.
I have constantly innovated the experience since 2014, whilst maintaining the essence and heart of the event, providing a variety of support.
I offer an integral creative and planning role, focusing on the aesthetics of the event, paying particular attention to guest experience from the moment they arrive at the venue. Every element of the evening is carefully curated to ensure a truly original experience.
As A Creative Director
In my creative role, I design the menu for the evening and deliver all catering services. In the kitchen, throughout service and what is seen on the tables, is all curated by me. It is this meal which supports the exciting, money-can’t-buy show that War Child provide to guests, before the true reason we’re all in the room, to pledge and raise vital funds for children.
Philanthropy
I open my little black book to support this event both on a pro-bono and at-cost level. Being able to use my network to support War Child is both a privilege and creative challenge, whilst innovating the event year-on-year. The Winter Wassail is no standard fundraising dinner, and the level of production required is more akin to a full show, which I embrace and can deliver every year.
Strategy
The single most important moment at this event is the pledge moment, when guests are asked to donate to the vital cause for which War Child exists. There is no live auction, nor are there are give-aways – people are asked to donate as part of a culture of generosity, which sounds far simpler than it is. Fine tuning this moment has taking years of strategic positioning, clever use of talent and having the right people in the room.
The Highlights
I am committed to supporting this event and other fundraising initiatives at War Child, in an honest and transparent way. There is no better feeling than knowing that my small contribution has helped to raise funds for all children affected by war around the world. The Winter Wassail in 2025 raised over £4million.
A Concierge Approach
My concierge service is integral to the success of the Winter Wassail. The guest experience, their comfort and the exclusivity of the event must work in harmony, to create the impact for this fundraising experience to standout in a crowded market. I focus on the small details to make a big difference, elevating the guests’ relaxation and joy through impeccable event management and front of house services.
A Whole Lot of Love
The heart of a Wassailer lies in their mission to support an extraordinary cause, to extend skills, passion and expertise, and a huge dollop of love, to do everything we can to raise as much money as possible for any child affected by war - because just one child caught up in conflict is one child too many. To be a part of this family, in my greatest career highlight.
So High Profile Yet So Low Maintenance
The Wassail is attended by the world's most high profile A-List guests, celebrities from stage and screen, the greatest stars from the movies and rock stars making waves in music, yet it remains so exclusive that many have no idea that the event even exists. Talent and guests alike attend this event for the cause, not for the limelight, and we all do this for children, not for the PR value.
What The Client Said
Fundraising Engagement Director
Gallery
Here a selection of images from ten years of the Wassail.
