In Loving Memory of Paul Lambert

With heavy hearts, the Kiva community is both mourning and celebrating a special soul who brought light and laughter to all our lives. Paul Lambert, a native of Northern Ireland and a beloved Kiva employee, was struck and killed in a suspected hit-and-run in San Francisco on February 12.

Paul touched the lives of Kiva staff, volunteers and borrowers alike. As a Volunteer Coordinator for Kiva’s Review and Translation Program, he helped spearhead the herculean efforts of the more than 350 volunteers who translate and review Kiva loans for the website.

Paul coordinated seven Russian, French and Spanish translation teams. He was also responsible for overseeing all Russian and French loans, as well as training all Russian and French translators.

Paul’s outgoing, jovial nature made him perfect for the job, and he created strong bonds with many of his volunteers. Paul’s family has received an outpouring of support from this global community following the news of his death.

Kiva’s community of volunteers have organized a drive to translate as many loans in Paul’s name as possible. They have also created a lending team in his honor>

Paul loved languages, and spoke four of them: English, French, Spanish and Russian. But even more impressive than his linguistic skills or the impact of his work, was his truly genuine and caring personality. It is hard to think of Paul without immediately thinking of his smile and his laugh.

We cherish every moment we were blessed to have with him, and feel a deep loss for the moments that were still to come. Our heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.