The awards took place Thursday night (November 22, 2012) in the German town of Düsseldorf.
"She is a woman, who fights against ignorance and indifference. She helped and helps hundred thousands of people", mentioned talk master Johannes B. Kerner in his laudatory speech. He considered her as a "role model for profound humanity and charity".
"Thanks to the DAHW German Leprosy and Tuberculosis Relief Association the elimination of Leprosy in Pakistan had been possible", mentioned Dr. Ruth Pfau in her speech.
The BAMBI Award was first brought into being in 1948. Originally, the BAMBI was a film prize. In those days, the trophy was made out of white porcelain. The bronze fawn plated in 18-carat gold seen today has been used since 1958.
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At the beginning of the 1980s, the BAMBI Award was extended to cover the full spectrum of the growing media world. Since that time, many others who have excited audiences or made the world a better place have joined the prize-winning actors and actresses. These include paparazzi-hardened VIPs as well as silent heroes, whose vision and courage are brought into the spotlight by the golden deer.
Every year, the BAMBI features a star-studded line-up of German and international guests. Stars, who have walked the red carpet in recent times, include Michael Jackson, Tom Cruise and Meg Ryan. At the 2005 award ceremony, none other than Bill Clinton was honored with the Charity BAMBI. In 2006, the deer statuette in the same category went to Queen Sylvia of Sweden. There was further royal interest the following year as Queen Rania of Jordan won the Honorary BAMBI for her involvement in humanitarian projects. Ruth Pfau follows her now as a "silent heroine".
Burkard Kömm, CEO of DAHW Deutsche Lepra- und Tuberkulosehilfe (German Leprosy and Tuberculosis Relief Association) says: "We are happy to support the work of Dr. Pfau for the last 50 years. We guarantee further support with the money of our donors and from the Ruth Pfau Foundation."
