Shining light shares flame of philanthropy
PHILANTHROPY is like a candle, according to Jewish philanthropist Gerardo Porteny Backal, who appeared at several communal events and Jewish schools in Sydney last week.
Although only 21, the founder and president of Young Men 4 Gender Equality has already established five not-for-profit organisations in his native Mexico City, creating awareness about breast cancer, equality and environmental issues.
He is a mentor with the United Nations Youth Fund, a social innovator, youth leader and a human rights activist.
“When you give, you light your own candle and it provides warmth, heat and comfort for the person in need,” he told The AJN.
“It provides light for you to see and appreciate everything you have and also it can help illuminate the path of others.
“And the beauty of this philanthropic light is when you light another person’s candle and inspire them to give, your own light doesn’t diminish; on the contrary, the whole community’s fire gets fuelled to develop its full potential.”
Backal was just 16 when he established his first organisation, Pink Life Against Breast Cancer, in 2010.
“I was raised in household full of female leaders.
“For me, fighting against breast cancer was showing appreciation for not only the women in my life but for all women,” he said.
“At the beginning I had absolutely no business contacts, no experience, no legal knowledge or anything else but instinct … and slowly I have been developing this knowledge and networks.
“I continue learning even today, that’s the most beautiful part of the job.”
He followed up Pink Life Against Breast Cancer by establishing Pink Life Racing, Green Life, Life Republic and finally Young Men 4 Gender Equality.
“Nowadays I have a strong feeling that it’s not my job to convince anyone about giving to a particular cause, but rather to show them the benefits of giving in general,” he said.
“Everyone should be encouraged to find their own passion and give and find that blessing of being a philanthropist.”
Backal said his grandparents and parents practised “silent philanthropy” according to the Jewish value “when your right hand gives, your left hand shouldn’t know that you’re giving”.
He respects that approach but said he has made his philanthropy public in order to inspire others.
“If you’re silent about it, it’s impossible for other people to follow your path,” he said.
GARETH NARUNSKY
Gerardo Porteny Backal.
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