Transworld announces the Sophie Christopher Volunteer Award

Transworld has announced that it is setting up a sponsored volunteering scheme to honour the memory of Sophie Christopher, former Senior Publicity Manager, who died of a pulmonary embolism at the age of 28 in June 2019.

In addition to her outstanding work as a publicist, Sophie made it her mission to improve the lives of others, from co-founding The FLIP, an interview series showcasing exceptional women working in the publishing industry, through to her work with Beyond the Streets, a UK charity working to end sexual exploitation. Sophie’s passions reflected her belief in the power of literacy and literature to change lives. 

It is with these interests in mind, along with her love of travel, that Penguin Random House has decided to partner with the award-winning responsible volunteering organisation people and places to sponsor a two-week programme – open to anyone working in publishing and bookselling  – in support of the work of the Treak Community Centre, close to Siem Reap.

The Centre is committed to creating opportunity, not dependency, and provides free, non-formal education and training that supplements and complements the Cambodian state system, offering a nursery, school, library, computer classes and a wide range of skills training. The aim is to help the local people learn new skills and increase their confidence so that they are better equipped to take control of their futures. 

Penguin Random House wants to build and develop a sustainable relationship with the community and plans to sponsor an annual placement to offer consistency and continuity. 

‘Sophie was an unstoppable force of positivity and enthusiasm’, says Larry Finlay, Transworld Managing Director. ‘She is so hugely missed by all who knew her.  This Award is a fitting tribute to an extraordinary person and will be just one of the many ways of keeping her cherished memory alive.’

Further details of the programme, how to apply and the selection process can be found on bemoreSophie.com

Applications are open until Friday 21st February, with the final decision on the placement being made by Friday 17th April.