Did you know that 38 billionaires have pledged to give at least half of their wealth to charity?
The Giving Pledge is a campaign started by investor Warren Buffett and Microsoft founder Bill Gates. It has been established to convince US billionaires to give away at least half of their fortunes either during their lifetimes or after their deaths.
Those who pledge their money to “philanthropic causes and charitable organisations” must publicly state their intention through a letter of explanation. Recognised names already signed up to the campaign include New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg, CNN founder Ted Turner and entertainment executive Barry Diller.
Very commendable, but it makes the ordinary person seem a little impotent in the philanthropy stakes. Perhaps.
Billionaires may have the edge in the monetary and publicity stakes. However, it’s a level playing field when it comes to committing time, and in terms of the satisfaction someone can derive from doing something benevolent.
We all have the same number of hours in a day and the amount of satisfaction we derive from helping others is a personal thing not dictated by money. The chances are that the people that you help in your community or within your clubs and charities will never be touched by the billionaires’ largess. And what price can be put upon changing someone’s life for the better anyway? It’s priceless.
Get in touch today to find out how we can help you to leave a legacy.
