Showing posts with label changing lives. Show all posts
Showing posts with label changing lives. Show all posts

Tuesday, August 20, 2013

Giving is an investment

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Many people believe that money is the root of all evil because it tests the limits of humanity. However, money is just a tool, and in the right hands, it can be a source of hope—an investment to a better future.

This thought might be what runs in the minds of those who have given away a significant portion of their hard-earned money to different causes, from saving rainforests to fighting drug abuse. These people view money as more than just a means for them to enjoy the good life. To them, it is a tool for making a difference by investing on relevant causes and leaving a legacy of hope for the betterment of their fellow men.



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Many people believe that the rich only give so that people will remember them. And while it is true that some give to charities or do volunteer work so they could be noticed, many have shunned the spotlight, preferring to remain unnoticed. Chuck Feeney, an Italian-American billionaire, is one such person. He spent the last 30 years giving away over $7 billion that he amassed from selling liquor, perfumes, and cigarettes in his empire of duty-free shops. His donations are aimed to support different causes in education, science, health care, aging, and civil rights in many countries around the world.

Mr. Feeney is a shining example than many young philanthropists should aspire to become. Giving should not only be seen as charity but also as an investment toward a bright future for all of humanity.



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Alex von Furstenberg is a member of the board of directors of the Diller-von Furstenberg Family Foundation, an organization that aims to positively impact the world by improving people’s lives and strengthening communities. You can visit this website to learn more.

Wednesday, August 7, 2013

Changing lives and improving oneself through giving

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There are many different reasons why people give. It may be because they want to genuinely help others, or they want to receive good karma. For some, it may even be because they just want to be noticed by their peers.

Whatever their reasons are, one thing is true: The act of giving gives pleasure and spiritual, emotional, and psychological benefits, which can improve one’s sense of well-being in the long run.


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Aside from this, giving also provides people the chance to learn about the social injustices around them. A lot of well-off people would not even bother looking at the condition of the masses. Giving provides them an opportunity to see firsthand what the less fortunate go through every day. This experience can help them learn and discover new viewpoints that can change how they see the world that they live in. As a result, their new awareness can help them convince others in their social circles to help out as well.

Contrary to what most people believe, giving is not just about money. It is also about important and immeasurable things, such as time and effort. Volunteering and becoming closely involved with a social cause can not only help the less fortunate but also give people a sense of inner peace and contentment, knowing that they have done their part in making a difference.


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Through the Diller-von Furstenberg Family Foundation, Alex von Furstenberg is able to make a difference one cause at a time. Visit this website to learn more about the organization and its efforts.