A new way of charitable giving - Janet Hay

Wed, Jan 9th 2019 at 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm

Janet and President Rodger exchange banners


The speaker, Janet Hay, a member of the Canterbury Rotary Club of Melbourne, Australia, gave as her theme, the support of what are called Social Businesses.  She stated that much charitable giving to many third world countries other than in disaster situations, was unproductive. Such funds were either plundered by corrupt governments or if reaching the needy fostered a spirit of dependency. She endorsed the work of Muhammad Yunus who had been awarded a Nobel Peace Prize for his pioneering work in developing the concept of microcredit and microfinance for Social Businesses in third world countries. These are small, often single person enterprises that need a helping hand to get going or to survive and thrive. Funds in the form of many small loans to these enterprises are far more effective in relieving poverty than uncontrolled handouts. She provided examples of such work being undertaken, in particular, an elderly widow in Sri Lanka who was given a loan to process peanuts and distribute them.
In response to questions, Janet said that she had not previously been aware of the Club’s activities under the “Lend with Care” initiative. This was little different to what she was promoting. She commended the Club for the support it had given over the last five years to this initiative.
In proposing the vote of thanks, President Rodger hoped she would enjoy the other presentations she was due to give in Scotland.
 

 
 


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