I came across a news story last week that really struck me. A 34 year old man from Liverpool, a researcher, had inherited £100,000. In his wisdom, he acknowledged to himself that he didn’t need the money, that what he was earning was already sufficient to live off and therefore he wanted to give the money away. He knew that others were in greater need of that resource than him, but rather than decide himself, he wanted to let his community decide who should receive it. So he sent out 600 letters to random addresses in his L8 postcode, 38 people responded, from which he picked 12 to take part in the decision making process. Over 4 meetings to discuss their options, (and overcoming the initial reaction from those involved who presumed it was some sort of scam), they decided to split the money between four charities within their own postcode, covering Toxteth and Dingle, who between them work with people of all ages who are vulnerable and have economic struggles. Amongst other things, they are helping feed children who would otherwise have gone without meals.
I don’t know about you, but I don’t think it would ever have crossed my mind to make the choices that David made, decisions which many of us would just consider foolish. Surely he’d want to build some greater financial security for himself and his family? Surely he’ll need that money later in life or want to pass it on to the next generation? It is such an incredibly counter cultural act, complete with the best of intentions, a selfless act that puts the needs of others before his own.
His is an act of living wholeheartedly, meaning what he believes and acting upon those intentions, paying attention to the whole around him rather than presuming it revolves around himself. He hasn’t made excuses or convinced himself that he’d be better off keeping the money, he’s shared not only his wealth but himself, his ideas and altruistic heart in the hope that it will resonate and encourage others to think similarly.
I’m not writing this to make anyone feel guilty or to preach at you, but it’s a story worth telling which invites us to ask how we steward what we have been given. David’s act of financial giving is a significant one which for many of us may not be an option, but the profound nature of his morals and intentions are something we can all try and carry through our words and actions.
David has set up a website called Wealth Shared to publish the results from the project and to encourage others in how to use their money wisely.
This article is taken from my February Mailout which also features some of my latest news and cultural highlights.
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