Introductions and Transparency

Hi!

I just wanted to make a quick introduction. My name is Michael Topham, I’m going to be guest-blogging over here on ChristmasFuture. I’m hoping to help get the word out about this fantastic organization and it’s efforts to eradicate extreme poverty.

I first heard of ChristmasFuture over Facebook back in January when a co-worker joined their group. Instantly curious, I set out to learn more. I browsed the site, checked Wikipedia, Googled it… mostly because of curiosity, but also to make sure it wasn’t a scam. I came across a couple curiosities about initial funds raised - there seemed to be a mismatch between operational funds and funds donated to programs.

At first, this startled me. Then, I thought about it: This is a growing organization. I’m currently working in the Internet start-up space, so I’m familiar with building the framework (like software) to facilitate the end goal. It occurred to me that without the infrastructure in place ChristmasFuture couldn’t reach their goal. The issue of $75K—nothing to balk at— towards projects ($92k by March 2008), and about $200K towards development seemed like a sizable dichotomy between helping others and building the organization. However, without that initial $200K, ChristmasFuture couldn’t facilitate the wholesale shift in holiday giving they envision.

A month later, I received two invitations to the same ChristmasFuture event - one via the official Facebook group, and the other from a friend who was doing some video work for “a great, Calgary-based project [I’d] be interested in”. Turns out there were a few people talking about ChristmasFuture. The night of the event I met a good number of volunteers and other associated parties. They all shared a genuine interest and passion in the change they were helping bring. Every one of them seemed to realize that they were playing a part in a radical shift in how we perceive giving.

Between shuffling around with batteries for the camera, hooking people up to mics, and trying to stay out of frame, I managed to hear some of the presentation. Of particular note was something from Jay Baydala about the very thing I had wondered. I know some others might have the same initial trepidation I had, so I thought “who better to alleviate your concern than the guy who knows the most about it?”

Check out more great videos on ChristmasFuture’s YouTube channel!

Well, that ends this [unintentionally lengthy] post. I’m looking forward to watching this great organization build the change they want to see in the world. Hopefully, I’ll see you along the way.

/Michael