World Vision head urges WA to leave philanthropic legacy

Tuesday, October 4, 2011

The head of the nation's largest aid and development agency last night challenged West Australia to ensure the resources boom left a legacy of philanthropy that would outlive the current surge in profits. 

World Vision Australia CEO Tim Costello said the 1850's gold rush in Victoria not only produced tremendous wealth but also created a culture of philanthropy that is still evident today. 

"It's remarkable that Victoria with just 25 percent of Australia's population remains such a strong epicentre of philanthropy, accounting for over half of the philanthropic trusts in Australia," Rev Costello told a Giving West function at West Australia's Government House on Tuesday night. 

“According to the University of WA’s Rising Tide report, West Australians are very generous with 90 percent of the population giving to good causes. 

“However, the dollar value of their donations is lower than Australia's as a whole. The nation’s average donation is also lower than the rest of the Western world. 

"Although West Australia’s personal wealth has grown faster than any other state, levels of giving aren't growing at the same rate." 

Rev Costello said Western Australia had a rare opportunity to start building a philanthropic legacy now that will still be looked at 100 years from now with pride, gratitude and as a source of ongoing inspiration. 

"I am sure Western Australian individuals and companies will rise to this historic opportunity," he said. 

"But history teaches us not to wait. It teaches us to take action while the opportunity is there. Don’t wait for the boom to peak - that will come and go before you realise it." 

Rev Costello said as head of World Vision he saw tremendous generosity displayed by everyday Australians. Their donations and those who sponsor children with World Vision are making a huge difference, they are saving lives and transforming communities in some of the world's poorest regions of the world. 

ENDS 

Media enquiries: please contact Martin Thomas on 0400 454 695 for more information or to arrange interviews. 

Media Releases, Poverty, Asia and the Pacific, Foreign Aid, Humanitarian, Philanthropy, Tim Costello

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