We Made it Into the Guinness Book of Records

by Oct 22, 20060 comments

UAE

I have been a strong supporter of the “Make Poverty History” campaign in Canada and in the U.S., where it is known (very appropriately for me!) as the “ONE Campaign”.

During October, I had the privilege of addressing the Governor’s Annual Workplace Wellness Conference of West Virginia. I used this event as an opportunity to purchase a white wristband for each member of the audience and invite them to stand up against poverty. This was part of a global one-day campaign to gather the greatest number of people who have ever stood up at one time against poverty and achieve a new entry in the Guinness Book of World Records. Well, our little effort contributed to a grand total of over 23 million participants worldwide – a world record.

If you have not already done so, please use your corporate power to help to fight aids and poverty in Africa by joining the “Make Povery History” campaign and make a difference (*see the goals below) – it’s not your money, but your voice we need!

* The Millennium Development Goals: At the 2000 Millennium Summit, a major breakthrough was reached for the world when 189 Heads of State and Governments assembled together at the United Nations and pledged to make a better world for all by 2015. They agreed to do this by achieving the eight Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) by 2015.

1. Eradicate extreme poverty and hunger

2. Achieve universal primary education

3. Promote gender equality and empower women

4. Reduce child mortality

5. Improve maternal health

6. Combat HIV/AIDS, malaria, and other diseases

7. Ensure environmental sustainability

8. Develop a global partnership for development

The Goals are a unique international agreement, being time-bound, measurable and having the public promise of every Head of State in the world. All eight Goals are achievable by 2015, but only if governments live up to their promises.