I subscribe to the school of thought that it is almost impossible for the indigent to be involved in philanthropy, however on the flip side, I have been convinced otherwise by the thought-provoking story of Chen Shu-Chu, a vegetable seller in Taiwan. In eastern Taiwan, 63-years-old Ms. Chen works 18 hours a day selling pepper, taro, mushrooms, and vegetables after which she uses the money to support the poor. She was not born with a silver spoon neither did she have a smooth upbringing. As a matter of fact, Chen lost her mother who died after a difficult childbirth while she was still in primary school, because her family could not afford a proper treatment. Life has not been a smooth sail for Chen who has been dedicated to helping creating access to health and education for the poor over the past two decade. According to BBC, she has donated…

“Growing up in a family centered on public service, the idea that one should take what they have and give back in some way was always just part of my childhood and what I thought I would do,” says Lauren Bush Lauren. In times where many close their eyes to the screaming needs of the poor and vulnerable, only very few humanitarians have made it a commitment to never cease to burn with the unending desire to give back to less-privileged population in the society. These ones are the reasons why we can be certain that the rain will never cease to fall on both the well-endowed and the needy. Amongst these many humanitarians is Lauren Bush Lauren a daughter of Neil Bush and Sharon Bush (née Smith), a granddaughter of former President George H. W. Bush and niece of former President George W. Bush and former Florida Governor Jeb Bush. Lauren is a mother of two, an entrepreneur, model, fashion designer…

By Miracle Nwankwo After Nepal faced a disastrous earthquake that claimed the lives of nearly 9,000 people and injured nearly 22,000, the country suffered a huge loss that led to new beginnings for many individuals. But in a little place in Kathmandu of Nepal existed a beautiful home called the Butterfly Home, a home for peculiar kind of children whose parents have been held bound behind the four walls of Nepal prison yards. They were picked up from these prisons away from their inmate parent to this home. The owner of this home is a young Nepali social worker Pushpa Basnet founder of the Early Childhood Development Center (ECDC) the academic arm of the foundation. Pushpa was still an undergraduate when the burden to establish a home for the children of prisoners which she often met during her social work service to the prison yards, filled her heart. Even when…

By Miracle Nwankwo Every philanthropist has a unique and inspiring tale about their journey in philanthropy, and often times their acts and willingness to give to the society is inspired by the struggles of their past. However, it is one thing to be shown kindness and it is another thing to be willing to return the favor. This episode of Impact Inspire brings the spectacular story of a rare gem, someone whose heart yearns daily with a desire to reciprocate an act of kindness that was shown her in a better form. She is an African woman, born in the midst of excruciating poverty in a little village in Wedza District of rural Zimbabwe. Her name is Fiona Mavhinga, the founding partner of CAMA a foundation whose goal is to help girls and young women to access education, facilitating their transition into higher education and employment, and creating opportunities to…

The rapidly growing Latinas living in poverty has stirred the rise of devout philanthropist in Latin America including Eva Longoria. Eva is an American actress, producer, director, activist, and businesswoman who founded the Eva Longoria Foundation in 2012 to help Latinas build better futures for themselves and their families through education and entrepreneurship. By providing Latinas with the resources to succeed in school and business, we can help empower the Latino community. Eva Longoria was born 1975 in Corpus Christi. She was a beauty pageant contestant in her youth and attended Texas A&M. Longoria got her first break in show business with a regular role on The Young and the Restless. Her breakthrough role came in 2004 on the hit television series Desperate Housewives. The foundation’s programs focus on helping Latinas excel in school and attend college, and on helping Latina entrepreneurs with career training, mentorship, capital, and opportunity. The foundation…

Alice Eduardo is a firm believer of being a blessing to others. She once said, “if I can save a soul and make people happy, I feel super happy.” Alice Eduardo is not all glitz and glamour although she epitomizes these at every turn, however she also devotes her time to her advocacies. Alice Eduardo feels that her success is God-given, so she shares its fruits to the people who need help the most. An extraordinary person with an exceptional opportunity, she said, “Every day, I count my blessings, and I try to make my blessings count.” Alice Eduardo has several passion projects, one of the most important of which is the 320 sqm. pediatric ward at the Philippine General Hospital. This has been a passion project because her father, Andres, suffered from cancer as well. Called the Department of Pediatrics-Hematology-Oncology Isolation Ward, it caters to the young cancer patients.…