Over 580 victims of Typhoon Haiyan successfully rehomed through the “Build a house, build a home, restore a community†project.
LEMERY, Philippines, January 6, 2018 – Following a successful opening ceremony on January 5th, over 580 victims of Typhoon Haiyan have been rehomed. This follows the completion of the initial phase of the Build a house, build a home, restore a community project, run by the Greg Secker Foundation. Over the course of two years, 100 typhoon-proof houses have been built for 100 families of Lemery in the Philippines, along with full access to utilities and essential life preserving services. The opening ceremony, which saw the community move into their new homes for the first time, was held on January 5th. Each family ceremoniously received their certificates of occupancy followed by a symbolic cutting of ribbon at their new residence.
The ceremony was attended by friends and family, as well as various celebrities and local authorities. These included Ms. Angelia Ong, the Greg Secker Foundation ambassador and former Miss Earth; boxer Nonito Donaire; actor George Ellis; actress Dionne Monsanto; Congressman Raul Boboy Tupas; Governor Arthur Defensor; Mayor Ligaya Porras; Under Secretary of Justice Antonio Kho; Secretary of Department of Justice Vittilano Aguirre; and HUDCC Asec. Leira Buan.
As part of the project’s first phase, beneficiaries have also received educational lectures on a variety of topics including earthquake safety, health and safety, waste management, recycling, and basic medical training. In addition, there is now a free-of-service crèche on-site to enable mothers and fathers to work in the village, and a Saturday school for children run by the Central Philippine University.
In order to deliver on its aim to restore a community, the Foundation will soon begin the second phase of its project. To ensure the village’s sustainability, a range of further facilities and farming projects will be developed. These will include a business centre to help kick-start local businesses – such as grocers, restaurants, and pharmacies – and a training centre for education and skills development. Already, a group of mothers in the village have started a pickled papaya business, which is thriving in the local community.
Greg Secker, CEO and founder of the Foundation, said: “This project holds a very personal space in my heart, and to see its first phase completed fills me with joy. Sustainability and growth are the main goals here now. This will not be a case of throwing money at a problem, rather a journey to helping the village independently thrive again. I also want to encourage people who are fortunate enough to be in a position where you could help those in need to get out there and make a difference. You have the means to change people’s lives, and doing so is the most rewarding thing anyone can possibly do.â€
The project is run with the full support from the Provincial Government Office in Iloilo. It provided all heavy equipment to the site and prepared the land for construction. It was also responsible for the rehabilitation of the road from Lemery to the new village. The project is also fully supported by the local Government of Lemery.
Arthur Defensor, Senior Governor of the Provincial Office in Iloilo, added: “The Local Government Unit of Lemery, Iloilo is very grateful to the Greg Secker Foundation for its laudable housing project in Barangay Capiñahan, Lemery, Iloilo for the victims of Typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda). According to Helen Keller, and I quote, “Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.” This project was made possible because of the dedication, hardwork and commitment of the Greg Secker Foundation, the Local Government of Lemery and the Province of Iloilo. May we continue our partnership and oneness in providing services for our people especially those who are under privileged who needs us in building better lives and better communities for them.â€
For more information on the project, please visit: http://www.gregseckerfoundation.com/initiatives/build-a-house-build-a-home/
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About the Greg Secker Foundation Founded by Greg Secker in 2010, the Greg Secker Foundation is a charity committed to positively improving the quality of life of children around the world. Focusing on education, life skills and youth leadership initiatives, the foundation strives to equip young people with the essential emotional and mental tools for success. The foundation’s mission is to provide young people, regardless of background, with the strategies and confidence to reach their full potential, thereby transforming their lives and ultimately that of their community.
About Typhoon Haiyan Typhoon Haiyan, named Super Typhoon Yolanda in the Philippines, hit on November 8, 2013. The typhoon affected an estimated 14 million people, resulting in 6,183 deaths, 28,626 injuries, and the displacement of over 4 million people.
Press Contact Stephanie Kwok, WE Communications +44 (0)20 7632 3872 skwok@we-worldwide.com
LONDON, UK, September 5, 2017 – New research from social development charity, the Greg Secker Foundation, has revealed 54% of UK respondents believe UK businesses should be required to give a percentage of their annual profits to charity by law, outlining a strong moral obligation for businesses within the UK. The research – conducted among over 2,000 UK adults (+18) – questioned public opinion on whether UK businesses are doing enough for charities. The results show many UK businesses are missing a trick by not focusing more of their efforts on philanthropic activities.
The findings revealed donating a small percentage of annual profits (up to 5%) to charity would significantly better the image of the business to consumers. If consumers knew a UK business gave 5% of its annual profits to charity:
The research also found donating a percentage of profits isn’t the only option for businesses, with 41% of those surveyed believing businesses should be doing more for charity as a whole. Offering pro-bono services that map back to the business’ specific area of expertise came out on top with 25% of respondents wanting to see more of this. Donating more of their profits followed with 24% and upskilling members of the community 21%.
“UK businesses are already doing excellent work for the third sector, and the government’s tax relief incentives are certainly a step in the right direction. However, what these results show is there is public appetite for more, both morally and legally,†said Greg Secker, founder of the Greg Secker Foundation. “Time and time again we see the benefits a thorough corporate social responsibility programme offers businesses, with the figures here speaking for themselves. By simply donating a small percentage of annual profits to charity, businesses are able to increase brand loyalty, positively shift perceptions, and increase their potential customer pool, all the while helping a good cause. We would just like to encourage businesses to keep the third sector in mind because helping out is good for business.â€
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About the Greg Secker Foundation Founded by Greg Secker in 2010, the Greg Secker Foundation is a charity committed to positively improving the quality of life of children around the world. Focusing on education, life skills and youth leadership initiatives, the foundation strives to equip young people with the essential emotional and mental tools for success. The foundation’s mission is to provide young people, regardless of background, with the strategies and confidence to reach their full potential, thereby transforming their lives and ultimately that of their community.
Research Methodology All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov Plc. Total sample size was 2191 adults. Fieldwork was undertaken between 22nd – 23rd August 2017. The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all UK adults (aged 18+). References to “UK businesses”, relate to private sector businesses of 50 or more employees.
Press Contact
Stephanie Kwok, WE Communications
+44 (0)20 7632 3872
How is CSR encouraged within the business? Corporate Social Responsibility is a huge part of my business and employees are encouraged to take an active part. My philosophy is that one small act of generosity on the part of one can transform the lives of hundreds. Within the business, I encourage our staff to be socially responsible by providing them with three-days paid volunteering leave, so that they can engage with their local community and use their skillsets to assist others. They can choose the charity of their liking, something I think is crucial to get them engaged with charity, as some people have strong connections to different causes. In addition to that, Learn to Trade gives funding to the Greg Secker Foundation each month and staff are given time to work on different aspects of the foundation, assisting them with events, marketing, and operations. We hold regular worldwide Tradeathons and our Flying Trader is due to kick of again this year, with all proceeds going from the sale of tickets and commissions made by the traders going to the Foundation. Our main CSR focus is our partnership with the Greg Secker Foundation and specifically their Build a House, Build a Home project for families devastated by Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines. We are building 100 homes and creating a sustainable community for the people in Lemery. This project started in 2015 and we hope to have this complete by the end of 2017. Besides assisting with functions mirroring their day job, employees are encouraged to create a connection with the Build a House Build a Home project and volunteer for a week, with 5 days on site in the Philippines helping with construction, painting, decorating and landscaping. We want to enable our staff to get involved in the project, so we cover all expenses, flights, food, and accommodation – making volunteering possible for everyone in the business. We do our best to foster CSR with individual staff members throughout the year, but in the lead up to Christmas we engage all staff in an alternative Christmas party that we call Basket Brigade. It all comes down to one single notion: one small act of generosity on the part of one person can transform the lives of lots of people. Greg and his employees from Learn to Trade use the opportunity to come together and provide food hampers to families who struggle to put food on the table at Christmas, and put presents under the tree for children in need. Working alongside the Salvation Army this is hugely rewarding for many staff as they spend the day packing boxes and then delivering them to the families themselves. What prompted the decision to create a social impact? I have always dreamt of leaving a positive legacy other than that of my business. I wanted to focus on providing young people, regardless of background with the strategies and confidence so that they can reach their full potential and realize their ultimate dream. I have been so lucky that I can be a philanthropist due to the success of my businesses, and I wanted to give my staff the same feeling that contribution gives me. Making a meaningful change to someone’s life is priceless. The way to share this, was by turning the companies into organisations that not only values social impact, but actively works toward creating a change for people who are less fortunate than themselves. Why was CSR made a part of the company? For me, contribution is key. Throughout everything I do, I make sure contributing to the wider society is a part of it, and it was only natural that the company followed. My grandmother was an orphan and I often joke that if it wasn’t for the care from organisations like Barnados I might not even be here today. As a company, we started with fundraising events that we held with the Greg Secker Foundation, for organisations like Barnados. Initially our CSR efforts were based around supporting existing charities through funding. Since then we have grown to have our own volunteering programmes, encouraging staff to volunteer by providing 3 days paid volunteering leave, and by partnering with the Greg Secker Foundation. Please detail the specifics of your focus. My focus is committed to positively improving the quality of life of people around the world. Focusing on education, life skills and leadership initiatives. I want to equip people with the essential tools for success and my mission is to enable people to reach their full potential, thereby transforming their lives and ultimately that of their community. It would be an honour to be held as one of the Philanthropic 30, but I believe that awards and recognition are not the purpose of life. An award on the wall won’t change the world; it will only show your devotion. Dream to learn, achieve, grow, sustain and succeed.
161 Children to be given individual presents, 76 Families, totaling 308 individuals to receive Food packages made up by Learn to Trade, Smart Charts, Capital Index, FX Capital and the Greg Secker Foundation. Every Christmas, Greg Secker and his employees from Learn to Trade, Smart Charts, Capital Index, FX Capital and the Greg Secker Foundation, based in Fulham, get together to make and prepare food hampers and gifts to deliver to local less fortunate families. We work with the Salvation Army and Artemis House Young Parents Services with the recipients of our “Baskets” being families and single young mothers. Greg said, “It is a great way to drum up some community spirit and bring some Christmas cheer to the families. Many of us are lucky enough to have families and friends who buy each other presents and food, so it is good to give to others and help them through, what many find a very lonely and difficult time.†On Monday 19th December, over 40 staff will spend the day packing and delivering food parcels to 76 families, totally 308 people and deliver 161 children individual presents. As one staff member said, “I just love seeing their faces light up when they open the door and we hand over the parcel and presents. It is so rewarding to see that smile, it is very special.†For further information please contact Sammy Schwind on Sammy.schwind@gregsecker.com or 07887 355 451
The Greg Secker Foundation joins the global #GivingTuesday movement. The Greg Secker Foundation announced it is taking part in this year’s #GivingTuesday campaign. #GivingTuesday, led in the UK by the Charities Aid Foundation (CAF), will take place on Tuesday 29th November this year, following the huge retail sales on Black Friday and Cyber Monday. The campaign offers an alternative to the shopping frenzy and encourages people to do good stuff for the charities and causes they care about. Last year #GivingTuesday broke a Guinness World Record for the most online donations in 24 hours, as people gave away £35 million to good causes globally. Online donations raised £6,000 a minute for UK charities with more than 1,400 charities and businesses and hundreds of thousands of people connecting with the movement. In 2016 more charities and brands than ever are backing the day, including hundreds of local charities alongside household names such as Cancer Research UK, RSPCA, NSPCC and brands such as Sainsbury’s, BT, The Financial Times, Glamour and ASOS. We at the Greg Secker Foundation, will be fundraising for our housing building project in the Philippines – Build a House, Build a Home. The foundation is building 100 homes for people whose lives were devastated by Typhoon Haiyan in 2013. We’re building homes strong enough to withstand future typhoons, a multipurpose training centre, and are partnering with the Central Philippine University to provide lifesaving skills training. To help us, we’re asking people to buy a brick for £5. All in all, we need is another brick in the wall. Buy a brick, and send us your #BrickPic! Greg Secker, CEO and Founder of the Greg Secker Foundation, said: Today is all about giving back to society. After going sales mad over Black Friday and Cyber Monday its’ time to get our karma back on track and focus on how we can contribute to the world around us. Giving Tuesday is a fantastic day that focuses on our shared humanity and is a great chance for people to get involved with charities they feel a connection with. Whether you join us and buy a brick or volunteer with your local organisation, do please get involved. Contribution is truly rewarding!†Additional quote: Hannah Terrey, Head of Policy and Campaigns at CAF, said: “#GivingTuesday is a huge celebration of doing good and a chance to shine a light on the fantastic work that charities do across the UK and around the world. It’s the collective action of thousands of people and organisations that makes this day so powerful. “#GivingTuesday is a brilliant opportunity for charities – small and large – to make some noise and reach new audiences. It’s the perfect time to be creative, share ideas with others and try something different. We hope that on #GivingTuesday we can inspire people who wouldn’t otherwise donate or volunteer to do good stuff and be part of this growing global movement.â€
The Greg Secker Foundation’s Inspired Youth workshop held at Reddam House in Johannesburg last Saturday has received an overwhelmingly positive response from those who attended, the role models and celebrities who presented motivational insights as well as the organisations and schools who brought students to the event. “Thank you from the bottom of my heart to the organisers of the event on Saturday,†said Gladys Ndlangamandla of Tembisa Secondary School, whose students were brought to the event by the President’s Award Group. “The feedback I’m receiving from the learners is just overwhelming.†Presented by the UK based Greg Secker Foundation, the not-for profit organisation which is committed to positively improving the quality of life of young people around the world, the Inspired Youth events have been launched in South Africa by Pride Factor, the life-skills academy dedicated to inspiring young minds. More than 400 teenagers and young adults from the greater Johannesburg area attended the event and left motivated and better prepared to achieve their full potential as they aspire to become the country’s future leaders. “I have enjoyed myself and the inspiring information I got today I will always keep with me,” said Perfect Zikhali, while in Carlos Kanyemba’s opinion the experience was “Amazing, great, I loved every part of it – I just cannot wait for another one!”. And according to the Rough Diamonds Youth Club, “We adore Greg Secker and the Inspired Youth programme. Thank you!” Role-models from a broad cross-section of business, sport and entertainment contributed their time and expertise to providing youngsters from every walk of life with a memorable experience Sibusiso Leope, also known as DJ Sbu, got proceedings underway with a high-energy talk, followed by digital fundi Romy Heldsinger, the CEO of JAG Method, and motivational speakers Iris Cupido, the CEO of the SABC Foundation, and Sibusiso Molimi. MetroFM’s Talk Show host Rams Mobote then interviewed multiple FMX champion and stuntman Nick de Wit. The afternoon program featured the debut live performance of rising star Alexandra May’s new song before Mike Sharman, founder of the Retroviral Creative Agency, recounted his path to the top of the digital advertising world. The day ended with the thoughts of entrepreneur and the SA ambassador for One Young World, Lunga Tshikila. “Education moved me from the street corner to a table full of decision makers. Education changes lives,” DJ Sbu told the audience, adding “It’s not about where you come from, but where you going,†and “Thoughts Become Things – TBT.†“I could spend life feeling sorry for myself for the abuse I’ve suffered, but I’m too busy tapping into the greatness within me, and that same greatness is also within you,” was the message from Iris Cupido. Along with the motivational talks, the workshop included entertainment acts, gifts and prizes, opportunities to meet and mingle with the speakers and browse exhibits on education, mobile connectivity and youth products. Participants received vouchers to buy the food of their choice from the onsite store as well as programs, pens and a special memento in the form of a clock on which each of the hours was designated ‘NOW’ to reinforce the theme ‘The Time Is Now!’ “We could not have been happier with the launch of the Greg Secker Foundation’s Inspired Youth programme here and in Cape Town last month,†said Pride Factor MD Dene Botha, who hosted the workshop. “Many thanks to all the role models and celebrities who contributed their time and expertise to motivate the audience, our suppliers and organisers who ensured the event ran smoothly and particularly the participants who gave up their Saturday to learn how to become South Africa’s ‘inspired youth’!†Find out more about the Greg Secker Foundation’s Inspired Youth programme at: Facebook:    https://www.facebook.com/inspiredyouthsa Instagram:   https://www.instagram.com/inspiredyouthsa/ Twitter:          https://twitter.com/InspiredYouthSA Email:           workshop@pridefactor.co.za Hashtag:      #InspiredYouthSA Founded in 2010, the not-for-profit Greg Secker Foundation’s mission is to provide young people, regardless of background, with the strategies and confidence to achieve their full potential and realise their ultimate destiny. Having run similar youth programmes in the United Kingdom, the Foundation is excited about bringing their experience and commitment to giving children the best possible start in life to South Africa. See www.gregseckerfoundation.com Pride Factor, the Cape Town based life-skills academy dedicated to inspiring young minds, has adapted the proven formula developed by Secker in his business orientated Global Success Summits to empower teenagers with the motivation and tools required to accomplish their highest possible level of success. See www.pridefactor.co.za
Joburg’s first Youth Leadership Summit, an initiative of the UK’s Greg Secker Foundation, will take place at Reddam House in Bedfordview from 09:00 to 16:30 on Saturday, 12 March. Aimed at young people from all walks of life who are in grades eight to 12, the one-day workshop will involve a number of high-profile role models who will share their experiences and focus on a series of core themes, like health, wealth, relationships, leadership, entrepreneurship, contribution and purpose. They can look forward to hearing from the likes of:
Greg Secker is the multi-millionaire Founder and CEO of Knowledge to Action, a leading trading and training company in the UK. He has business and family ties to South Africa. The Greg Secker Foundation has held a number of Youth Leadership Summits in the UK, equipping young people with practical life strategies and emotional development tools. The South African workshops are the first to take place globally. “The exchange rate is such that we have the capacity to make a much bigger difference in South Africa,†says Greg. “The workshop is designed around my experiences in trading and training, where the ability to master oneself has a very strong bearing on performance and success. By learning to manage emotional and reactive decision-making, you’re empowered to unlock the resourcefulness centre in your brain. This is where the magic happens and I want to give young people the same skills, which will make a huge difference as they grow up, finish school and begin careers.†The Cape Town workshop, which took place on Saturday, 27 February, attracted 400 young people from Heideveld, Khayelitsha, Kuilsriver and surrounds. Among the speaker line-up were:
The Youth Leadership Summit is being arranged by Pride Factor, a life skills academy for young people in South Africa. Founder, Dene Botha, is the host and presenter. Participants can look forward to entertainment from a comedian, dancers and a DJ, as well as a take-home programme and goody bag, including a memento of the day. Gifts, incentives and prizes are also available. Lunch is provided. Tickets are available online at www.pridefactor.co.za. www.gregseckerfoundation.com | www.prodefactor.co.za Issued by: Lauren Winchester The Red Phone
On behalf of the Greg Secker Foundation: Dene Botha Pride Factor
The Knowledge to Action Foundation is looking forward to inspiring young people from all over the UK and abroad with our Young Leaders Festival 2014. The Festival will encourage 2000 teens (aged 13-17) – from all different backgrounds – to take charge of their lives and teach them how to move confidently towards a successful future. Set in the beautiful outdoor setting of Hop Farm (Kent) over 5-days, these young leaders will be exposed to world-class motivational speakers who will lead the themes of each day. Each young person will be helped along this emotional journey with the support of their group members and dedicated youth coaches. This festival builds understanding of the following areas: taking the lead on all aspects of your life; how to manage your relationships both at home and in the working world; maintaining good health (mind and body); coping with pain and emotions; developing and believing in your own ideas; encouraging your entrepreneurial spirit; understanding how to achieve wealth and richness of life, and learning how to effectively give back to your community. Ultimately this programme builds leadership, not just in the sense of leading a team or a business, we teach it as a lifestyle. We know all young people, even those from the most disadvantaged backgrounds, have the potential to be great. We want the Young Leaders Festival to provide them with the guidance and encouragement they need at a very crucial stage of their lives. Hear below from those involved in our programme this year: Pete Austin My daughter came home a changed person, all for the better. A much happier, confident person. Totally amazing results, myself and my daughter never imagined she would enjoy herself so much and with all the issues she has had in the past I found it amazing the change in such a short time. Keiran Herlihy, Aged 17 I was in a bad way at home involved with the wrong things and wrong people. I had this negative mind set where I thought the world was against me. I got taught that the world is fighting with me not against me. I met some great people that helped me change my perspective, my attitude towards the world and the people in it. The vibe is nuts, just so positive. I learnt anything can be achieved step by step with the right attitude and the right people around you. Contact Us Visit our Website: www.knowledgetoactionfoundation.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/knowledgetoactionfoundation Twitter: @K2ActionF Phone Number: 0207 751 8900 Lines Open 9am – 5pm, Monday – Friday E-mail: Info@knowledgetoactionfoundation.com Our Mission The Knowledge to Action Foundation is a registered UK charity committed to positively improving the quality of life of children around the world. Focusing on education, life skills and youth leadership initiatives, the foundation strives to equip young people with the essential emotional and mental tools for success. The Foundation’s mission is to provide young people, regardless of background, with the strategies and confidence so that they can reach their full potential and realise their ultimate destiny.
