This concept came to my attention a few years ago when beginning to work with someone I admire so much as a social philanthropist and powerful business man, who is committed to making the world a better place through business efforts, not in spite of them. So often we’ve seen this split, especially when it comes to sustainable business models, and working hard to not harm the earth through growing a business. It also carries over into how we can use our leverage and business spheres to bring resources and awareness for the less fortunate. Coming from my work in non-profits, directly into business ownership, I’ve always valued this concept, the land of AND–that we can do well and do GOOD at the same time. It’s something that each of us should ponder how to carry out in our individual spheres.
So, in November 2018, the idea came to me, to have a month focused on giving back, and sharing that concept with all our clients and partners. We chose Mary’s Meals as our partner because 93% of the funds go directly to the kids (they run a lean, efficient, inspiring model) and announced it widely. The response was incredible. People completely understood and connected with it–it’s the time of year we all want to be giving of our time and resources—volunteering in soup kitchens is an option for some, helping with Thanksgiving baskets, etc, but additionally, being able to support these kids all over the world while making conscious choices for healthy lifestyle, is a total win-win.
The response was overwhelming, and we had our best month of business of the entire year. I was so excited, almost crying a few times as the response poured in. And speaking with the marketing manager at Mary’s Meals, he expressed his excitement and gratitude as well, knowing how much each of these $ would help the kids.
It was a humbling and beautiful reminder to me of how deeply connected we all are to our global community of need. We feel the hurt of those even far away, and want to do our small part. It may not feel like much, but it’s truly making a difference, as a collective whole.
It was, to me, a beautiful reminder of the power of doing well by doing good, and starting with WHY. When we know why we’re going after a big goal, and the power of the reason drives us, we become unstoppable. I’m so wishing I could hug and kiss those kids as they welcome their meals for a year, but I know that our part to play in all of this is beautifully important, while living in the land of AND.