We start a new series of interviews to presents some local stories of philanthropy. The goal of the series is to makes understandable and gets closer the philanthropy and the pleasure of supporting to the people.
- When did you started to be philanthropic, to donate?
I was educated to help all those in need, if I could. Not all help need to be financial. There are many ways to be philanthropic.
- What it means for you the philanthropy? Why do you support community affairs?
Until I didn’t have financial background, I had only altruist motivation. When financially I got better, because I was in a good time in the right place, then I help for my fellows from duty, because I feel responsibility for them.
- What kind of effect had the donation to your life? Do you have a special experience or story about this?
I don’t have special expectation from my supported persons. I don’t give money to nobody on principle. If someone begs, I buy a bread, because it’s hungry sure. I agree with the principle, that is better to give a fishing rod for people, not a fish, to learn fishing. I educate and give scholarship with pleasure. I support engineer, doctor and vocational school students, but I had elementary school student supported too. Now I support a pharmacist, a doctor and 4 vocational school students.
To help patients, to pay a treatments, a surgery, glasses and other medical devices is a separate chapter. When I support an organization I rather support the disadvantaged people and youngsters. I don’t like to support events.
I have a lot of positive experiences with my supported persons, real success stories, but the discretion is very important for me. I do not let anybody to advertise me, the mention of my name isn’t allowed.
- What do you think, how should be the after-life of a donation? What is your advice to the applicants?
After the supporting period the relationship between the supporter and the grantee can’t be canceled. I expect periodic information. Its good if the grantee feels that is someone who watching him, follow him. So far I got feedback from everybody.
It isn’t a good topic to write about philanthropy, especially from the supporter part. Who likes talking and writing about this, its supports for advertisement. It’s not my goal.
