71-yr-old awarded British Empire Medal for supporting local charity

Julie Cooper is the BVI’s newest recipient of the British Empire Medal (BEM), an award given for significant contributions to a community or field, often involving hands-on, local service.

Cooper, 71, made His Majesty The King’s Honours List 2025 and received her award from Governor Daniel Pruce in recognition of her years of tireless dedication to charities across the BVI.

For over 15 years, Cooper has been approaching local companies (sponsors), telling them she’s willing to work with them to double the budget they have set aside for charity.

Once they agree, Julie raises funds at her weekly Trivia/Quiz Night—where participants donate to take part in the interactive games. At the end of the three-month period, she adds her funds to those of the sponsor, and together they make a donation to a charity of their choice.

“The first thing I do is ask if they have a budget for charity. Let’s say they have $5,000. I’ll say, ‘partner with me and I’ll double it for you’. That’s how it works. Right now, I’m working with International Motors and whatever we raise will go to the BVI Diabetes Association,” Julie explained to BVI News.

It’s hard work, but Julie’s model has yielded success, with over $600,000 raised for local charities in more than 15 years. The BVI Alzheimer’s Association, BVI Cancer Society, BVI Diabetes Association, Family Support Network, WIN (Women in Need), and the BVI Humane Association are just some of the charities that have benefited over the years.

“I change the charity with their sponsor every three months and we raise around 10 thousand for each one. I also do a one-off Christmas Quiz,” Cooper explained.

Local sponsors who’ve joined the effort include Deloitte, Rawlinson and Hunter, International Motors, Begbies Traynor, Digicel, Medicure Pharmacy, among others.

Julie currently hosts her quizzes at Bamboushay Restaurant and Lounge on Tortola and is hoping more corporate sponsors will see the benefit of raising money simply through fun and games.

As for the award, she’s quite humbled by it and sees it as a clear sign that she should continue her good work.

“When I got a call that the governor wanted to see me, I was wondering what I did wrong. But when I got there, I was greeted royally and after chit-chatting a bit, the Governor broke the bombshell news I’d been awarded a BEM in the King’s Birthday Honours list, 2025,” Julie recalled.

She added: “I’m 71 years old and at this age, you just want to know that you did something good, that people will remember you for. This does take a lot of work because you have to ensure people are having fun during the quizzes and you have to encourage them to come out. But I can’t stop now, especially with this new BEM, I guess I’ll just have to keep going,” Cooper said proudly.