Transforming lives in Ethiopia
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Remembering our founder Sir Alec Reed CBE | 16th February 1934 – 2nd December 2025
What an inspiration! When I decided to leave the corporate world to move into NGOs, Sir Alec believed in me. I met him at my interview and was amazed by his vigor, open mind and enthusiasm for positive change. My year running EthiopiAid (1990/1) was such a learning experience for me. The good and the ...
It is with thanks to Sir Alec Reed who was inspired to provide encouragement and support to the people of Ethiopia. He had the special gift to reach the many and various people of society, fostering a zeal to care. It has been my privilege to support the work Sir Alec initiated and contribute to ...
I had the privilege of accompanying Sir Alec in a visit to Ethiopia and to the many amazing projects which have grown out of his interest and support. He was inspirational in his practical approach to problems and deep commitment to involving talented Ethiopian people in developing solutions that work and can be maintained. His ...
I had the privilege of raising funds for, and experiencing two trips to Ethiopia with the Ethiopiaid team where I shared my skills educating and supporting incredible projects. Fond memories of sharing stories with Sir Alec.
...We were sorry to hear of the recent death of Sir Alec. His legacy will live on in the various charities that he established, including Ethiopiaid, following his visit in 1987. We ourselves had gone to Ethiopia separately: Roy to work at the University in 1969 and Chris in 1970 as a UNA volunteer where ...
To all in the 4 Ethiopiaids, we in Afar know where your heart is and where your commitment comes from when we learn of and digest the life Sir Alec lived. We had the privilege of Alex’s visit when she related many things to us. What the people of Afar know is that Ethiopiaid hears ...
To Sir Alec: Thank you for the vision that set Ethiopiaid in motion. It has been a privilege to uphold your legacy; one based on dignity, partnership and a deep respect for the people of Ethiopia. Your legacy continues to inspire us. To the family and friends of Sir Alec: we send our heartfelt condolences. ...
In honour of Sir Alec Reed. We are deeply saddened by the passing of Sir Alec. His vision and conviction that local Ethiopian organisations should lead the way is the reason Ethiopiaid exists, and the reason our work in Australia is possible today. He lit the spark that began this organisation and remained a steadfast ...
We are deeply saddened by the passing of Sir Alec Reed and would like to extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and colleagues. Sir Alec’s unwavering dedication and leadership combined with his vision to partner with local Ethiopian organisations, has helped so many vulnerable people in Ethiopia. He has inspired us immeasurably and ...
Friends of our father from all parts of the world share in our profound sorrow at his passing. In particular, to Alex and the entire family, I pray that the heavenly father God grants you abundant comfort and strength during this difficult time. **“He will be remembered for the love, faith, and kindness he showed ...
I deeply honour and respect his philanthropic work that he has done in Ethiopia. Let his soul rest in peace.
...Hope Enterprises 155 Churchill Road P.O. Box 30153 Addis Ababa, Ethiopia December 5, 2025 Mrs. Reed and Family, On behalf of everyone at Hope Enterprises, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia and my wife, Elizabeth Assefa, please accept our deepest condolences on the loss of your spouse, Sir Alec Reed. We are really saddened to hear of the ...
1934
Sir Alec born in Hounslow
1944
Started his first enterprise selling toy soldiers
1960
Founded Reed Recruitment with just £75
1972
Founded the Reed Foundation

1987
Visited Ethiopia for the first time
1989
Founded Ethiopiaid with £1 million donation
1994
Met with Dr Catherine Hamlin, building a lasting partnership.

Sir Alec with his daughter Alex
and Dr Catherine Hamlin, 2015
2002
Opened Ethiopiaid Ireland
2003
£10 million sent to Ethiopia in total
2006
Opened Ethiopiaid Australia
2007
Founded the Big Give

2009
Opened the Hope University of Science and Technology
2010
Won the Beacon Prize for Philanthropy
2010
Opened Cheshire Ethiopia’s Reed House Paediatric Rehabilitation Centre in Addis Ababa

2011
Knighted for services to business and charity

2014
Last trip to Ethiopia, aged 80 years old

2019
Ethiopiaid’s 30th anniversary

2024
Certificate of recognition presented to Sir Alec by H.E. Teferi Melesse Desta, Ethiopian Ambassador to the UK, on behalf of the Government of Ethiopia

2026
Ethiopiaid launches The Lifetime Fund in honour of Sir Alec’s legacy

We raise funds for local Ethiopian charities to transform lives and achieve lasting change.
Our partners know the context and solutions; we listen and provide appropriate support. Growth and development are tracked in local communities using robust monitoring and evaluation. Partnerships continue as long as there’s a clear need and opportunities to make a lasting impact.
Our vision – an Ethiopia in which every person has access to quality education, healthcare and a life of dignity.
Our mission – breaking the cycle of poverty by enabling the poorest and most vulnerable and their communities to live with dignity, to build resilience and achieve real and sustainable solutions to the challenges they face.