This is my contribution to Robert Hruzeks’ group writing project “What I learned from the generosity of others”

It will be 5 years in January since I set up Cameron Consulting. Prior to that I worked with the an international firm of accountants as a tax consultant but towards the end I was responsible for reviewing the firm’s relationship and engagement with the community here in Scotland and Northern Ireland. For the first time this gave me access and insight to the wonderful projects that exist to support our  vulnerable and less fortunate neighbours.

I have heard so many stories about people who recognise a need and instead of saying “someone should do something about that” they say “what can I do about that?” These people drive on often with very little funding and usually with very little support or for that matter “spare” time - to make a difference.

The support can come from anywhere. Sometimes the firm was approached for financial help but - even though financial support is crucial to the future of any projects - I was often told that when someone took a personal interest in what was going on that was very valuable indeed.

It was demonstrated most memorably for me when I visited the Belfast office just after the Special Olympics had been held in Ireland. It had been agreed that any staff who wanted to could have time away from the office to offer help to the athletes as they arrived and during the event.   The purpose of my trip to Belfast  was to speak to colleagues and get their thoughts on how the firm was engaging with the community there genearlly . In fact people were bursting to tell me about their their Special Olympics experience - of hefting luggage onto buses and to the accommodation, running errands, doing whatever needed done at the time. There were many photographs and the joy on everyone’s faces was clear to see. The local news covered the fact that a group of accountants in an international firm was happy to roll up their sleeves and get stuck in when needed - which was welcome PR but I know that when I spoke to the people who had been involved it had been a very special personal experience.

As time has passed I have heard stories like this over and over again  - of people getting involved in something worthwhile and how that made them feel. Sometimes it is about realising how well off they are. I have heard about people using the skills that they have  and take for granted in a way that benefits someone else enormously.  Younger folks often talk about how it helps build experience in areas that cannot readily be accessed in the workplace eg project managment and communications.  I have to stress that I have never had anyone tell me about how great they are that they do something for others.

In my own experience and from what I hear doing something for others is that it is worthwhile,  often humbling and can be incredibly uplifting. If you do it for no other reason than the “feel good factor” I would highly recommend looking for  a way to get involved in something that helps others.