Since I seem to be on a TV related theme this week, I guess I’ll stick with it. This past weekend I read an article in our local paper about a local celebrity who had created a TV show that helps low income families to own their own home. Local country music star Paul Brandt who has always been eager to support charities created his own show called Build It Forward. I guess it’s similar to the US show Extreme Home Makeover, but with a twist I quite like. Rather than show up on the front door, send them on vacation for a week, and then bring them back to fully built ready to move in new home. This show encourages a pay it forward or Build It Forward philosophy by having the recipients commit to 500 hours of community service – in their local area and abroad.
One of their first assignments is to travel to an impoverished area and spend a week helping another family or working at an orphanage. Once they return home, they’ll also spend time working on building their own home by putting in some sweat equity. I like the fact that the emphasis for this show is giving people a hand up, rather than a hand out. They’re not just handed a beautiful new home and sent on vacation. As much as I think the premise behind Extreme Home Makeover is also good, this is better.
Paul Brandt is a great citizen doing some wonderful work in the world. He’s a great mentor to me, in the example he’s leaving. I have also set out to ensure charitable giving and humanitarian efforts are a part of my business, and not just something I do personally. I believe it’s time for more businesses to emerge with a socially conscious mandate, rather than just a financially driven one. It’s through this kind of global contribution and cooperation that mankind can come together and flourish.
For more mentoring tips get a FREE copy of "The MENTOR Method to a Wealth Mindset" report here.
