TLDR: When we receive help, it shouldn't stop us from helping others. By giving it forward, we start a ripple of positivity that can bring about big changes in the world.
I'm amazed by the incredible journey of Give.Asia and the thousands of people who continuously give, embodying the spirit of making a positive change in the world.
I find myself questioning whether our efforts are enough and if our giving truly creates a meaningful impact. It makes me reflect on the dynamics between donors and beneficiaries, wondering if there's more we can do.
Let's challenge the traditional roles of heroes and victims. We can all be givers, regardless of whether we have received help. I believe that when each of us embraces the role of a giver, it creates a ripple effect of positivity, leading to transformative change in the world.
It's been 15 years since I co-founded Give.Asia and began this amazing journey. Every day, I'm amazed by the thousands of people who keep giving, again and again. I admire their spirit of generosity and how they take action to make the world a better place.
But sometimes, I wonder if what we're doing is enough. Will doing more of the same help us achieve our dreams? If some of us give while others receive, is it really making a positive impact on society, or are we just moving resources around?
Why should donors be seen as heroes and beneficiaries as victims? Why can't we all just be givers, with the same responsibility to pay it forward? Imagine this situation: I have $5 in my pocket. Should I have to choose between giving it to Starbucks to support their employees or giving it to a father who lost his job at Starbucks and needs to take care of his family?
Most of us would choose to help the father in need today. But if everyone always made that choice, wouldn't the Starbucks employee become the one in need later on? It's like a game of winners and losers, and it feels like we can't break the cycle.
I don't think we should accept this. Receiving help doesn't mean you can't help others in return. Remember those heartwarming endings in movies, where someone overcomes their challenges and then dedicates their life to helping others? Well, those stories are real and on Give.Asia (https://give.asia/campaign/asian-boss-supports-single-fathers#/).
Back in 2008, when my friends and I were students at the National University of Singapore, Professor Albert Teo gave us $20,000 of his own money to turn our idea into the Give.Asia platform we have today. He didn't want anything in return, except for us to do our best and make it work so we can help more people.
I've learned that when we all become givers and give it forward, it sets off a chain reaction of positivity. And someday, with enough momentum, we can create the change we want to see in the world.
References:
A single father's story about giving it forward - https://give.asia/campaign/asian-boss-supports-single-fathers#/
Very motivating story. 🙏