Volunteer Of The Year
The Volunteer of the Year Award at Worldwide Vets recognises an individual who has made an outstanding contribution to our charity. This award was founded in 2026 and is to be given to a very special supporter of our work each year.
Volunteers are at the heart of every Worldwide Vets project, supporting emergency responses, delivering vaccination and sterilisation programmes, and providing vital care in communities where veterinary services are limited. Each year this award honours a volunteer who has shown exceptional dedication, professionalism and compassion in challenging environments. Working in field conditions, supporting our local veterinary teams, and helping animals in urgent need, their efforts have made a direct and lasting impact. The Volunteer of the Year represents the values that define Worldwide Vets. Commitment, teamwork and a genuine desire to create sustainable change are at the centre of their work. Their contribution goes beyond clinical skills, helping to strengthen local capacity and improve animal welfare for the future.
2026 Volunteer of the year:
Colleen Lambo
Colleen has repeatedly stepped forward to volunteer in some of the most challenging environments. In Ukraine, over the last 2 years, she has volunteered on all 6 of our international missions, working tirelessly to provide veterinary care to animals affected by conflict, often in difficult and unpredictable conditions. Not only as a veterinary surgeon, but always going above and beyond to help our team. Record keeping, driving volunteers, organizing dinners, supplies, pre-trip fundraising and awareness campaigning. She brings true friendship and joy to our team and makes our lives a brighter place.
In 2025 in Egypt, Colleen has supported our initial clinic set up process, bringing training to our new local team and also carrying out sterilisation and treatment programmes, helping to reduce suffering and improve long term welfare outcomes. She worked collaboratively with local veterinary professionals, sharing knowledge and strengthening sustainable partnerships that will continue to benefit animals far beyond the duration of each mission.
Whether behind the scenes or on the frontline, she brings energy, reliability and a strong sense of purpose to everything she does. Colleen embodies the spirit of Worldwide Vets. She does not hesitate when help is needed and consistently goes above and beyond what is asked of her. Her dedication, resilience and generosity have made a lasting impact on our programmes and on the lives of animals around the world.
