Too many celebrities become a target because they become well known in this country. Some take it, some complain, others turn their profile into a real force for good… like our client Duncan Bannatyne.
A decade ago he went to Romania and a friend suggested he visit an orphanage over there. Did he adopt a child in a blaze of publicity like Madonna? No he effectively bought the orphanage, paying for dozens of children to receive better care and a chance in life. Two weeks ago Duncan returned as a guest of honour as one of the orphan girls got married.
Back in Britain he was approached by the Well Child charity - who put nurses into our communities to help parents who have disabled children. The nurses help the parents with the care, to take a break and other practical issues. After two short meeting, Duncan signed a cheque for £165,000 to sponsor a nurse for three years - and even better the local authority have promised to engage that nurse to continue the good work after the three-year sponsored period.
This is how the huge interest in celebrity can be a force for good…
July 7th, 2009 at 10:15 am
I couldn’t agree more with Duncan’s comments about orphans and orphanages that he made in the Evening Standard interview last week. What he has done for the Romanian orphans housed in Casa Bannatyne is by far and away more beneficial to more people in need than Madonna’s actions of whisking one child away to a world of abundant wealth. It’s also good to see that he gives his time as well as his money to good causes.
Looking forward to the return of Dragons Den in a couple of weeks too!
July 23rd, 2009 at 8:19 am
It’s nice to see a celebrity so committed to charities - and not just for the sake of keeping up appearances. Clearly Duncan sees his donations as investments, and makes sure his money is being used as efficiently as possible to help those in need…exactly what you’d expect from such a successful businessman