Education, Economics and a Twist of Fate
“Code ED” and the role of the business community in propelling kids to success, regardless of the circumstance
By Peter Mitchell
Charles Dickens has captivated generations of people with his tale of Oliver Twist, the impoverished child growing up in Victorian London torn between two futures: the seductive ‘fine life’ of crime offered by Fagin and his gang of pick-pockets; or the refined life of security presented by the benevolent businessman, Mr. Brownlow. Though written in 1838 the themes of poverty and a workforce struggling with the downside of the Industrial Revolution resonate today as the Information Revolution creates similar sweeping changes on society. If Oliver Twist grew up in Hamilton today, how would his story end ?
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The Corporate Samaritan
Why corporate philanthropy and responsibility make good business sense
By Peter Mitchell
It’s not easy being a Good Samaritan in the 21st Century. The global economy has been incredibly volatile over the past ten years forcing us to tighten our belts as we do battle with rising costs and the fear of possible redundancy looming over the horizon. This instability appears to be mirrored in the planet itself as natural disasters grab the headlines with greater regularity and calls for help are broadcast with increasing desperation. Locally, as we make the journey between our offices and homes, we are reminded daily of the poverty and pour souls that have been seemingly abandoned by loved ones and the world at large. We want to help; we want to do more; but even if we could, will our efforts really make a difference?
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When John Donne wrote "No man is an island" in 1624, it was with a quill pen painstakingly dipped in ink and carefully applied to parchment to ensure readability. It took years for his message to reach his audience and he probably passed away never knowing the profound impact it had on so many lives. Today, he would likely post his meditations on a blog or podcast and reach his audience in a matter of seconds. That audience would respond with equal haste, either praising his genius or expressing their disagreement on Twitter or Facebook. The rise of social media has revolutionized the way we communicate, and Donne's words ring true today more than ever before.
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Philanthrocapitalists
The Hamilton Community Foundation has launched a new fund that provides a return on investment for community giving
By Peter Mitchell
The recent announcement of the $5 million dollar Hamilton Community Investment Fund (HCIF) will provide local philanthropists with the means to take their capital and invest it directly into the community to support local causes, and provide a return on investment that can be recycled for further social ventures. It allows for greater flexibility in pursuing charitable endeavours, and a quicker return on investment for both the community and the donor. According to Terry Cooke, president and CEO of the Hamilton Community Foundation, it is an initiative that will prove attractive to modern philanthrocapitalists who have a greater sense of urgency about seeing their investments bear fruit.
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Web 2.0: Communication e-volution
What the new social media can do for your business
by Peter Mitchell
When John Donne wrote "No man is an island" in 1624, it was with a quill pen painstakingly dipped in ink and carefully applied to parchment to ensure readability. It took years for his message to reach his audience and he probably passed away never knowing the profound impact it had on so many lives. Today, he would likely post his meditations on a blog or podcast and reach his audience in a matter of seconds. That audience would respond with equal haste, either praising his genius or expressing their disagreement on Twitter or Facebook. The rise of social media has revolutionized the way we communicate, and Donne's words ring true today more than ever before.
