Sr Imelda Poole IBVM was named in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list in June 2018. She is awarded an MBE for her work in combatting human trafficking and modern slavery.
Cardinal Vincent offered his congratulations to Sr Imelda and commended her for her work and inspiring example. In his message, the Cardinal said:
'I congratulate Sr Imelda Poole IBVM on her award, from Her Majesty The Queen, of the MBE for her work against human trafficking.
‘Sr Imelda, and her many colleagues in other religious congregations, have long been champions in this important work. Her hard work, determination and her compelling advocacy constantly bring support and encouragement to all involved in this struggle, myself included.'
Sr Imelda is President of Mary Ward Loreto Foundation, a non-profit organization providing development programmes for vulnerable communities in Albania. The Foundation takes a human rights approach to combatting modern slavery. It focuses on prevention, advocacy, awareness and rescuing of victims from modern slavery. It aims to eradicate poverty, the prime cause of human trafficking.
This role has led Sr Imelda to becoming President of RENATE, the European network of religious and lay people committed to working against human trafficking and exploitation. She also works with Talitha Kum, the worldwide network of women religious working against human trafficking.
Photo: Mazur/Catholicnews.org.uk
