Archive for February 9th, 2012
Philanthropist at 12
At just 12 years old Noah Lamaide is already a seasoned campaigner in making other people’s dreams come true. And his latest project saved his grandmother’s house from foreclosure, after the 72-year-old fell behind on her mortgage payments, following expensive renovations and a spell of ill-health. She owed $10,000 and was facing eviction at the middle of this month, but the enterprising young philanthropist has raised the necessary sum in just a few weeks, and spared Janice Sparhawk eviction from her ancestral home at Stevens Point, Wisconsin.
Noah’s website charts his progress in carrying out the goal of Making a Difference One Dream at a Time by undertaking a new community service project each year. His generosity has already allowed a young friend whose mother recently passed away to go on a Disney holiday with her dad. The young campaigner, who could teach seasoned fund-raisers a thing or two, has gathered around him an impressive group of business sponsors, and has recently become something of a celebrity in the world of philanthropy and altruism.
Selfless giving is apparently a family trait, as Noah’s mother and grandmother have long set him an example, with fostering and various charitable activities, and his own involvement in community service began when he was just nine years old.
He says on his website, “I challenge each kid who comes to my site to volunteer. If you don’t have money to give then give of your time…put away your video games for one day a month and help someone. You will be glad you did and it will make you feel good.”
I suggested yesterday that “we need more entrepreneurs like this” – well, with young people like Noah showing us the way I’ve a feeling that the future is in good hands.
