Creating a legacy that enriches society
What legacy are we leaving our children? My father died when I was eleven therefore I’ve always been very aware of my own mortality. As a result I’ve tried to make a difference by supporting good causes. I have also tried to learn what motivates others to donate their time, energy and money.
At the age of seventeen I met Sir Jack Petchey CBE. Sir Jack left school aged 13 with no qualifications yet went on to become one of the UK’s most successful entrepreneurs. His driving ambition has been to inspire & motivate young people to achieve . He presented me with an award. His speech that night was most definitely a catalyst that inspired me to think big and create my own legacy. Many years later I was able to ask Sir Jack what motivated him to launch his charity the Jack Petchey Foundation. Sir Jack responded: “I have taken a lot out of life and I believe that it is everybody’s responsibility to give back. That is why I set up the Foundation, particularly to support and encourage young people to achieve their potential, make the most of their lives and give back to society.” Sir Jack also said the following: “I try to live life to the full. Everyday I want to continue to encourage and support young people in developing their potential, that is what gets me out of bed in the morning! I also want young people to encourage and inspire other young people.” Since its inception the Foundation has awarded grants totalling over £100 million.
I personally raised in excess of £21,000 for the Children With AIDS Charity. I’ve supported various other causes and have raised £58,490 for Haven House Children’s Hospice in the past two years. I won Vodafone World of Difference twice. Working directly with Children With AIDS Charity and Haven House Children’s Hospice gave me a unique insight in to each charity. One key factor to consider when approaching potential donors is infrastructure. If a charity is run like a well oiled machine it is far more likely to receive support from entrepreneurs and businesses. Wealth creators want to know that their money is invested wisely. Haven House has a solid infrastructure and is happy to give tours. A donor is welcome to read an annual report or view the excellent onsite facilities. Feedback is incredibly important to me. Seeing the gratitude in parents faces and hearing their stories enables me to measure the impact made by Haven House.
Planting a seed and nurturing it will result in growth. Our ideas can shape the future so don’t be afraid to follow your dreams. Plant a seed in your imagination and you may see it blossom in to something extraordinary.
In the words of Sir Jack Petchey CBE “If you think you can, you can.”