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Could you and your family live on $2 a day or less?

By John Leland

Real Estate Agent with RE/MAX Inland Empire WA DOL 50182

February 26, 2008 12:14 PM

Let me preface this post by saying that I am in no way attempting to brag or "toot my own horn", but over the past few years I have been convicted by the needs of others in my hometown of Spokane, Washington and around the world. I have rubbed shoulders with some amazing men and women who have begun to adopt the concept of a "Kingdom Business" or "Charitable Business". We all have opportunity to give back to our community and invest in the lives of others through various company events or non-profits, but I was curious if there are any other Realtors or professionals among us that have already adopted a "non-profit" or "charitable" business model. I am very interest in hearing about your successes and the causes that you support with the majority or all of you business earnings.

Recently, I have been reading a number of articles and books predominately about poverty and the distribution of wealth worldwide. A question that I ran across has been ringing in my ears ever sense and has truly kept things in perspective for me as I go through my typical work week...

"Could you and your family live on $2 a day or less?"

In January 2007, I had the opportunity to travel to a region of the world where families have been doing just that longer than they can remember. The people of Ethiopia are a hard-working people, eager to provide for their families and change the face of Africa. Unfortunately, like in most third world countries financial resources are not readily available.

I have committed my entire business to assisting International Assistance Program (IAP) in providing financial resources to these beautiful people. In 2008, my personal goal is to raise $200,000 USD to fund the Letta Micro-Finance Institute. This MFI gives small business loans to the women of Ethiopia to start or fund family businesses. In an effort to reach this goal, 100% of my profits will be donated to IAP. I know this may sound extreme to some and I have to say that my financial advisor is not too keen on the idea, but the need is real and not being guaranteed tomorrow, this is something I need to do today.

Please share with me your thoughts and personal experiences. Also, if you would like to learn more about International Assistance Program visit www.iassist.org or www.LETTAHome.org.

"I truly believe that when the poor meet the rich, riches will have no meaning. And when the rich meet the poor, we will see poverty come to an end." - Shane Claiborne, The Irresistible Revolution

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Tamara Perlman

Referral Network Inc. - Truckee, CA

John--

I am hearing about more and more people like you everyday. People that want to help the rest of the world and I am so encouraged by what I am seeing! I was at a raw food restaurant over the weekend in San Rafael, CA. The business model is compelling and while it isn't a non-profit, the way they take care of their employees and their concern for the planet is so beautiful. They are actually writing a book on a new way of doing business that isn't about just the bottom line for the owners. I'm very excited that so many are looking to change the world as we know it!

Even my 15 year old daughter, is donating a portion of her earnings to projects around the country/world. I love seeing what we can do!

Feb 26, 2008 12:47 PM

John Leland

RE/MAX Inland Empire - Spokane, WA

Tamara: That is just it...if I attempt to attack the poverty epidemic on my own I am overwhelmed with the extent of the need worldwide, but if we all do what we can do and sacrifice as we can, wecan definitely change the state of the world as we know it. It is awesome that your daughter is being taught this and adopted this concept at such a young age. We had a 14 year old girl and her father accompany IAP on our last trip to Ethiopia and it has revolutionized the way that she thinks and I cannot wait to see how here convictions and actions impact the world around her. Your daughter is going to leave quite a legacy! All the best.

Feb 26, 2008 01:08 PM

Yes, if we all give something of ourselves, we can make changes that are needed!

Last Xmas, my daughter and I were at one of the local groceries asking people to donate food to needy families in the area. At first, many just walked away. My daughter was determined to get a barrell filled before we left. She kept changing her approach as people walked into the store. She was so excited when she found the words that compelled people to help. As the barrell got fuller and fuller and a number of people donated cash, she looked at me with big eyes and said, "Wow, this just feels so good!" She knew that a lot of the food would go to kids at her school that would typically have a very thin holiday season. She was really excited that she could help change that for them! And as her mother, I think she's an amazing young woman with real social consciousness. I cannot wait to see her impact on the world!

Feb 26, 2008 01:27 PM

Tina Maraj

RE/MAX One - Fullerton, CA

Celebrating 30 Years of Real Estate Sales

John,

Great post. I had no idea. It is something I never thought of. I think it is great that you are giving back.

Feb 28, 2008 02:58 PM

-- Casey Brischle

Columbia Bank - Spokane, WA

Spokane Home Loan Mortgage Professional

I envy what you are doing this year. I want to get involved. I am going to take this week and delve into the two charities you listed and figure out a program that would work for my family and I. It might be a little tough, as I was just hired on at the beginning of the year to grow and develop the residential mortgage side of the Bank. But I admire what you are doing. I will be in touch.

Mar 17, 2008 11:28 AM

Could you and your family live on $2 a day or less?

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John Leland

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