The Passing of an Unknown Fundraising/Philanthropist Hero…

Captain Tom passed away. For many, if not all of you, you’re probably asking “who is Captain Tom? “

Sir Tom Moore was a World War II veteran, sales manager for a roofing company, motorcycle enthusiast, and father. Born in 1920, he lived nearly 99% of his life in obscurity.

Photo Credit: BBC

However, last year during COVID-19, he wanted to find a way to thank those who worked in the British health system, called the National Health Service. At 99 years of age and with his hundredth birthday approaching, he began a fundraising campaign that was entitled “Tom’s 100th birthday walk for NHS.”  Beginning in April, he began walking with the aid of a walker around his garden. To publicize the endeavor, he joined Twitter. Each lap around the garden was 27 yards.

Captain Tom ended up raising more than $33 million from his efforts. A simple walk around the garden, where that he knew every clump of dirt, helped to change the world. For this, he was knighted by the Queen of England.

We don’t always have to look to the Bill Gates’ or the Warren Buffett’s to be the sole representatives of wanting to make a difference. I would guess Captain Tom never dreamed his walks around his garden would generate so much interest and support. But it begs the question for all of us to ask when it comes to helping others.

What one or two things can I/you do to help someone else?

Maybe if we all worry less about the largess and more about the effort, we could help more people.