Aara Bhatia Shortlisted for Young Fundraiser of the Year 2025!

Our superstar young fundraiser, 14 year old Aara Bhatia, has been shortlisted for the Young Fundraiser of the Year Award at this year’s National Fundraising Awards, held by the Chartered Institute of Fundraising.

Aara has been fundraising for WLAC for 8 years. She has an excellent understanding of the charity’s therapy and counselling services and has helped to raise awareness about our work, as well as much needed funds. 

Aara’s past efforts have not gone unnoticed by the local community and on 27th March she was presented with a Mayor’s Award - by the Mayor of Kensington and Chelsea, Councellor Will Lane - in the Young Achievers category, for her extraordinary commitment to improving the lives of those who live, work, study and visit the borough. 

Aara’s past efforts have not gone unnoticed by the local community and on 27th March she was presented with a Mayor’s Award - by the Mayor of Kensington and Chelsea, Councellor Will Lane - in the Young Achievers category, for her extraordinary commitment to improving the lives of those who live, work, study and visit the borough. 

The judges shared that:

"Aara, is an exceptional young fundraiser. She is clearly a young woman who lets nothing stand in her way. What came across from the application was that whatever challenges there may be she faces them head on. Her long term commitment is clear as is the evident enjoyment she gets in making a difference to others. She uses her experience with ADHD and autism to raise awareness for the charity. For the judges, her hard work, dedication and commitment to others was an inspiration." 

We are so proud of Aara, and even more grateful for her efforts to support WLAC. Her dedication, creativity, and generosity stays inspiring us all.