Today we welcome Karl, from Xennox Diamond World. Karl usually just gets on with supporting his chosen causes, and doesn’t talk much about what motivates him. We are delighted he has taken the time to share his thoughts about business and compassion.
‘As some of you may or may not know, my wife and I are parents to triplets plus one. Thankfully all four of our children are healthy and for the most part happy, except when they are fighting over who gets to sit in which
chair in the car.
I was approached some years ago by the founding director for the Zig Zag Foundation. They are a children’s charity unlike any other I had ever seen. One where every single dollar goes to improving a child’s life, and is not
eaten up in administration or running costs. All the directors and ambassadors donate their time, supporting business donating prizes to raise money and even the banks are donating their bank fees and public liability
insurance. Also donating to the Zig Zag foundation, means that you are helping a range of different charities, as they distribute the money to a range of different charities based on need, and where the money is going to
achieve the biggest impact.
Zig Zag is a charity that I initially began supporting with diamond jewellery donations throughout the year but as I became more involved in the charity, I saw the tremendous work that they did, and how they were so
uniquely different. The impact is not just limited to the child who is the direct recipient but their immediate and extended family as well. I was so moved by this that I now am also involved in the planning of events and act
as an ambassador and committee member for the foundation.
I am often asked by people, why do I help out not just the Zig Zag foundation, but a number of other charities throughout the year, such as the CEOSleepout and Movember, or even what do I hope to get out of it, or what
benefit do I receive? The simple truth is, I just really enjoy helping out causes that I believe in. What I get out of it, is knowing I have helped make a real difference in someone’s life, and to remind myself to be always grateful for what I have. Sometimes I feel it is all too easy to get bogged down, in the daily grind, and focus on the things that are lacking rather than the amazing things we do have. I always try to remind myself, that there are plenty of less fortunate people out there that wished they had our problems.
I feel that as business owners we all need to be helping those less fortunate, as far as our circumstances in life permits. Whether that means doing something as simple as giving a small prize as a donation, or helping out to run a stall at an event. I know it sounds cliché, but if everyone did a little bit, the community as a whole would benefit the most.
My final message to other businesses – Go out and help someone in the community, you will not only do good, but it will make you feel good as well’.
