Heather Boxer, a life dedicated to WLAC
A message from the Chair of Trustees, Meg Kaufman
I know everyone in the WLAC community is feeling the loss of Heather Boxer's presence and leadership. These have been a difficult few months for us but Heather left a strong team and clear legacy to steer our work. Her empathy, professionalism, and hard work have been woven into the fabric of everything we do. Although we miss her terribly she lives on in the work we do every day.
Celebrating Heather's Incredible Contribution to WLAC
A Dedicated Volunteer
Heather first became part of our community back in 1980 when she joined the West London Committee for the Protection of Children, known today as WLAC. From the start, she threw herself into making a difference, playing a key role in our Activities (now Fundraising) Committee. She helped bring exciting events to life, including a performance of Noises Off at the Lyric Theatre, a wine tasting at Imperial College, and a concert and supper at Leighton House.
One of Heather’s standout achievements came in 1985 when she partnered with Sue Ryder to organise an exclusive Private View of the Sir Joshua Reynolds Exhibition at the Royal Academy. With 350 guests in attendance, the event raised an incredible £1,500. Her passion didn’t stop there—she played a vital role in making the 1988 Promises Auction and Dinner, as well as the Cracker Ball for teenagers, a huge success, generating £12,000 and increasing event income dramatically in just one year. Thanks to Heather’s dedication, fundraising events became the heart of our community, bringing people together and making a lasting impact.
A Passionate Trustee
Heather joined the Executive Committee (now the Board of Trustees) in 1984 and later took on the role of Deputy Chair from 2001 to 2003. Taking on the team role of Charity Fundraiser in 2003, she stepped down as a Trustee but remained on the Management sub-committee. Then, in 2006, she became our very first Chief Executive—a role she embraced with her usual energy, warmth, and commitment.
A Transformational Chief Executive
When Heather first joined WLAC in 1980, we had just two social workers on staff. By 2006, when she took on the Chief Executive role, that number had grown to six therapists, and today we proudly have a team of thirteen. Over the years, the number of families we support each year has increased tenfold—a testament to Heather’s unwavering dedication.
For 45 years, Heather was at the heart of WLAC, bringing kindness, compassion, and vision to everything she did. She touched the lives of countless clients, staff members, and volunteers, leaving a legacy of care and commitment that will continue to inspire us for years to come. She is greatly missed.