President of the Original Charity Shop and Library (OCSL) in Javea, Georgina Harvey has been awarded a British Empire Medal for services to charity in this year’s Queen’s Birthday Honours List, published on 8 June 2019.
Having joined the OCSL in Javea as a volunteer 24 years ago, Georgina Harvey quickly became Library Head and then Vice President. During her time as President the OCSL has directly generated over 500,000 euros, all donated to those in need. Organisations supported include the Franciscan Refuge in Gandia, the Red Cross in Javea and Marina Alta Breast Cancer Support.
HMA Simon Manley said:
“It is extraordinary to see six British nationals awarded at the same time – a real testament to the depth and diversity of the UK-Spain relationship and to the contribution that so many British nationals make to their communities across Spain. I am incredibly impressed by what the OSCL has achieved under Georgina’s leadership – being a financial success in today’s e-world is something to be very proud of. I understand that in its new premises, the shop is known as the ‘Harrods of Javea’. I wish it similar levels of success.”
Georgina Harvey said: “I am truly honoured to receive this award. The last 24 years working with our 80 plus volunteers at The Original Charity Shop and Library, has been nothing but a pleasure and privilege.”
The six UK nationals named in this year’s Queen’s Birthday Honours List are:
- An OBE to Mrs Anne McEwan, Former President, National Association of British Schools in Spain. “For services to education.”
- An OBE to Mr John Scott, latterly Global Deputy Chairman, KPMG International. “For services to UK/Spain relations.”
- An OBE to Mr Derek Doyle MBE, lately British Consul and Director of Trade and Investment, Bilbao, Spain. “For services to UK/Spain relations.”
- A BEM to Mr Stewart Cusden, latterly Chair, British Benevolent Fund, Madrid, Spain. “For services to the British Community in Spain.”
- A BEM to Mrs Georgina Harvey, President, Original Charity Shop and Library, Javea, Spain. “For services to charity.”
A BEM to Mr Michael Witty, Retired. “For services to the British community in Catalonia, Spain.”
