Help heal humanity - every act counts

Mother Nature has caused quite a stir in the past few months. Natural disasters in the forms of debilitating hurricanes and earthquake have created havoc on most of the southern half of our continent, leaving devastation and long roads of recovery and rebuilding ahead. So many lost so much — possessions, homes, pets, businesses, loved ones — the list goes on. This is not to mention the senseless acts of violence that also seem to happen more frequently. I am touched to see people all across the world come together to lend a helping hand. I’m in awe of the support of the Good Samaritans at our firm. From generous donations to employees opening their homes to those without, it’s truly heartwarming to witness the beauty of humanity. 

In addition to the recovery efforts we have been conducting in the South to support the victims of these tragedies, we continue to remain dedicated to our everyday commitment to giving back and making a difference for our communities everywhere. Last week was our eighth annual EY Connect Day, with over 21,000 people across the US contributing to hundreds of volunteer activities on a single day of service. Here in the Northeast, our people once again impressed me with more than 5,000 EY professionals heading out to impact over 200 volunteer activities.

For as long as I can remember, I knew the importance of helping those in need. I began donating money to charitable causes early on in life and have been involved as a board member with many philanthropic causes, but between a demanding career, raising four children and life’s other to do’s, to my own dismay I haven’t been diligent in setting aside time to contribute physically. I recall the first time I volunteered for a cause back in high school, when I collected and packaged food for the homeless. I still remember how it felt knowing that I was helping to provide to those who frequently went without life’s basic necessities.

I also won’t forget during Hurricane Katrina, where countless families in New Orleans were displaced and sought refuge throughout the country. Many arrived in my hometown of Washington, DC. While far from being relief experts, my wife and I (and many others) sought to help these families using the resources in our community and fundraising efforts. While our support was minor in the scheme of the Katrina tragedy, we were grateful that we could make a difference, somehow, in a meaningful way.

More recently, I am dedicated to donating to a variety of charities, and I take pride in inspiring those around me to give. I am humbled to make even the slightest of difference with my donations, but something inside me knows that it’s also right to roll up my sleeves and volunteer.

In honor of EY Connect Day, I had the privilege of supporting the Boys & Girls Club in my home community of Virginia. I engaged with approximately 20 10-year-olds from lower socioeconomic backgrounds on the importance of education and potential career options. It was an extremely rewarding experience, and I left the school reenergized and with a longing to return. As anticipated, donating my time to such a worthy cause warmed by heart and reminded me of so many important reasons to contribute.

Take the time — you won’t regret it. Most of us are consumed with our own busy lives, and although we have good intentions, we may find it difficult to set aside time to give back. Spending time with these delightful children was such an exhilarating experience; it made me feel like I was doing something that might truly make a difference. The idea of having even the least bit of impact by something I said filled me with incredible gratification.

Learning in all forms is important. As I told the story of how I chose my career (spoiler alert: it wasn’t because I love numbers), it was evident that some of these children had never even heard of an accountant. Career options, such as a hair dresser, a teacher, and a professional athlete, were among the top choices. Explaining that these jobs also required education, training and skill-perfecting was a big eye-opener for most of the young audience. Thankfully, these children are in a great program like the Boys & Girls Club to expand their education and where learning is encouraged in all different ways.

When life throws you curve balls, catch them with both hands. When I was 10, I was convinced I wanted to be a doctor. It wasn’t until I actually took my first science course in college that I realized I didn’t like the subject. After switching gears and accomplishing major goals in my newfound career, I realized I didn’t have to be a doctor to make the impact I wanted to. So be willing to be flexible: you may find that what you originally thought was your path might not be the right choice; don’t be afraid to branch out.

This is your community — treat it with care. Speaking to these wonderful children reminded me of my own when they were much younger: eager and excited to learn and engage with someone who wants to spend time with them. Many of them lived not too far from my own community and from other middle- to upper-class neighborhoods nearby. It reminded me that although close by, not all of these children have the opportunities that children from just a few blocks away might. Taking care of those less fortunate in your own communities is a necessity, not an option.

I am more than honored to have had the opportunity to spend the afternoon with such amazing group of young people. They lit up my day and filled my soul with long-overdue warmth and gratitude. I am delighted that our people get to experience such a feeling on this day and throughout the year. It doesn’t end today, or this year, with so much devastation happening in the world today. Whether its caring for the victims of natural disasters, violent gun crimes or those less fortunate in our communities; they are all our neighbors in need and we all must do our part.