People Inspired By Purpose - Purposely Podcast

Welcome to Purposely SHORT, a weekly episode, featuring one of our friends or past guests and their expertise on a certain topic.

Welcoming Susan Glasgow, CEO of Variety New Zealand, to Purposely where she shares her charity's mission to lift children out of poverty and discusses her journey from a fundraiser to the leader of a nonprofit organisation.

Variety New Zealand's vision is clear: all children in Aotearoa should realise their hopes and dreams. With a purpose to raise vital funds to tackle child poverty and create opportunities for children to thrive, Variety has become a cornerstone of support for disadvantaged youth in New Zealand.

Variety's roots trace back to 1927 when a group of actors in Pittsburgh took in a child left on their theatre doorstep. This act of kindness sparked the creation of the Variety Club, which soon began fundraising for children in need. Today, Variety operates as a global movement, with each country adapting to local needs while sharing a common goal of supporting disadvantaged children.

Established about 35 years ago, Variety New Zealand has evolved from event-based fundraising to a more focused approach. Their flagship programme, Kiwi Kid Sponsorship, matches donors with children living in poverty, providing crucial support where it's needed most.

Susan Glasgow, who joined as CEO in 2020, reveals shocking statistics about child poverty in New Zealand: 143,700 children live in poverty (as of June 2023); 1 in 6 kids in New Zealand will suffer food insecurity at some point in their childhood; and 1 in 10 children in the poorest communities doesn't have a bed of their own.

Variety New Zealand works closely with initiatives like Healthy Homes, providing beds for children who would otherwise sleep on floors or sofas. They also partner with Sport New Zealand to break down financial barriers preventing children from participating in sports and recreational activities.

Glasgow emphasises the resilience and resourcefulness of families living in poverty, challenging the stigma often associated with seeking help. "People who are putting their hands up to ask for help are the ones who are putting their children first," she states.

The Kiwi Kid Sponsorship programme has shown significant results. Children sponsored through Variety for four years’ experience about 50% less material hardship compared to those on the waitlist. This improvement spans various aspects of life, from school essentials to food security and housing stability.

Since Glasgow joined Variety in 2020, the waitlist for sponsorship has grown from 300 to 3,000 children. The COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent economic challenges have exacerbated the need, pushing more families into hardship.

Despite these challenges, Variety New Zealand raised over £10 million last year, distributing about £6 million in grants. However, the need continues to outpace available resources.

As Variety New Zealand continues its vital work, Glasgow and her team remain committed to raising awareness about child poverty and the transformative power of sponsorship. They strive to bridge the gap between those who have and those who have less, ensuring every child in New Zealand can reach their full potential.

Susan Glasgow's journey to becoming CEO of Variety New Zealand is a testament to the power of diverse experiences. With a background in performing arts and literature, Glasgow spent 12 years in the UK, where she transitioned into fundraising at Westminster School. Returning to New Zealand in 2007, she applied her expertise at the University of Auckland Business School before joining Variety in 2020. Her role as CEO combines her fundraising acumen with her passion for helping children access opportunities, a cause she had personally supported as a Variety Kiwi Kid sponsor since 2016.

To learn more about Variety New Zealand and how you can support their mission, Here

Welcome to Purposely SHORT, a weekly episode, featuring one of our friends or past guests and their expertise on a certain topic.

Welcoming Bruce Pilbrow to Purposely Podcast where he shares the charity's mission to empower young people as well as his career journey working for corporates and 'for purpose' organisations and charities.

Their mission is to empower young New Zealanders to reach their full potential through the challenge of the sea. As CEO Bruce Pilbrow explains, "The power of the ocean is probably the core of it, and youth development is what we do."

A Transformative Experience

The trust operates the Spirit of New Zealand, a tall ship

"I've been in youth development on and off for 30 years. I've never seen anything transform like this does. It's unbelievable".

The programme's success lies in its ability to create a level playing field for all participants, regardless of their background.

Disconnecting to Connect

In an age dominated by technology, the Spirit of New Zealand offers a unique opportunity for young people to disconnect from their devices and connect with each other and nature. Participants hand in their devices upon boarding, creating an environment free from digital distractions.

"That, in itself, is a big game changer," . This digital detox allows participants to focus on building real relationships and facing challenges together.

Challenges and Growth

The voyages are designed to creative a safe environment for participants to step out of their comfort zones. From climbing the rigging to release sails to working together in watches, every aspect of life aboard the ship is a learning experience.

Pilbrow explains, "Everything on the ship is manual. So if you look at the square rig, we cannot sail until someone climbs up and climbs out and releases the sail. Now you get a young person doing that who's been sitting in their room gaming for the last year, just that alone, and they

A Diverse Community

The Spirit of Adventure Trust aims to create a diverse community on each voyage. While they can't accommodate those with severe behavioural or mental health challenges, they welcome young people from all walks of life.

"We can't do the bottom 2%," Pilbrow clarifies," but the vast majority of our people that we do deal with have a myriad of challenges." This mix of participants creates a rich environment for personal growth and understanding.

Impact and Reach

The trust's impact is significant. They conduct 26 ten-day voyages and 10-12 five-day voyages annually, sailing nearly every day of the year. This commitment to their mission allows them to reach and influence a

Looking to the Future

Under Pilbrow's leadership, the trust has refocused its efforts entirely on its core mission of youth development. By doubling down on this focus, they aim to maximize their impact on New Zealand's youth.

As Pilbrow outlines "We underestimate our young people in New Zealand way too much." The Spirit of Adventure Trust continues to prove that when given the right opportunities and challenges, young people can surpass expectations and discover their true potential.

Through the power of the sea and the spirit of adventure, this unique charity is shaping the future leaders of New Zealand, one voyage at a time.

Welcome to Purposely SHORT, a weekly episode, featuring one of our friends or past guests and their expertise on a certain topic.

Why she joined Child Cancer Foundation as CEO

Her approach to leading a nonprofit and having clarity around mission and purpose 

Importance of gaining a deep understanding of the organisation you are leading

The importance of people and money

Welcoming Lori Abert Luke, CEO of the Acorn Foundation, to Purposely, she shares their charitable mission to grow generosity across Tauranga and the Bay of Plenty of New Zealand. An American who now calls New Zealand home, Lori's passion for philanthropy and giving is deeply rooted in her heritage and strengthened by witnessing firsthand the transformative impact

A Vision for Community-Driven Philanthropy

Established in 2003, the Acorn Foundation is one of 18

This strategic approach has enabled the foundation to

"Our model allows donors' gifts to keep giving back to

The Genesis of Acorn Foundation

The Acorn Foundation's story begins with Bill Holland, who, inspired by the community foundation model he encountered abroad, joined forces with committed local trustees to establish the organization in 2003. Their

Lori, who also serves on the Board of Community Foundations Aotearoa New Zealand, underscores the power of legacy giving. "It's an opportunity to make a lasting impact, extending one's generosity well beyond

Looking Ahead: The Future of Community Philanthropy

As she looks to the future, Lori sees boundless potential in

The Acorn Foundation's success serves as a compelling

Reflecting on the Acorn Foundation's effectiveness, Lori

Welcome to Purposely SHORT, a weekly episode, featuring one of our friends or past guests and their expertise on a certain topic.

This weeks episode features Richard Bennett founder & CEO of Bhubesi Pride Foundation

Welcoming Thomas Hinz, founder and CEO of Circability Trust, to Purposely Podcast where he shares their mission and his founder journey.

Thomas Hinz's journey to founding Circability Trust is fascinating, born in Rostock, East Germany, Thomas grew up in a town where the circus was a constant presence. A large touring circus and a smaller community circus tent

Despite this early fascination, Thomas's journey to the

In the late 1980s, Thomas studied Rehabilitative Pedagogy in Berlin. Following the reunification of Germany, he saw an opportunity to address the severe lack of resources and support for people with disabilities in his hometown. Together with friends and colleagues, he founded a trust that offered a wide range of activities, from sports to music, art, and theatre. It was through this work that Thomas rediscovered circus as a powerful tool for

In 1995, Thomas set up 'Circus Fantasia'™ in Rostock,

Thomas's journey eventually led him to New Zealand, where he founded Circus Kumarani in Dargaville in 2003. Building on his experiences in Germany, he has spent the last two decades developing and promoting community

Circability Trust's mission is encapsulated in its vision:

One of the trust's key focus areas is developing inclusion

At the heart of Circability's approach is the emphasis on

Thomas Hinz's journey from a curious child in East Germany to the founder of a transformative social circus organisation in New Zealand is a testament to the power of following one's passion and commitment to social

Welcome to Purposely SHORT, a weekly episode, featuring one of our friends or past guests and their expertise on a certain topic.

This weeks episode features Stephanie Wheen founder & CEO of Gympanzees

Welcoming Kiran Kaur, co-founder of GirlDreamer, to Purposely Podcast where she shares her founder journey.

Kiran is a visionary leader who is dedicated to supporting and uplifting millennial women of colour. She co-founded GirlDreamer, a platform that provides training, mentoring, and opportunities for this underrepresented group to achieve their personal and professional goals.

In this episode, recorded at the first Anthropy conference at the Eden Project in 2022, Kiran talks about the challenges and successes of

GirlDreamer has been recognized as one of the “top 50 most creative, innovative and disruptive companies in England” by Creative England,

Kiran is a passionate advocate for social change and a role model for the next generation of leaders. Listen to her inspiring story and learn how you can join her movement.

Anthropy is a conference that brings together changemakers

The founder of Anthropy, John O’Brien, is a past guest of Purposely.

The next conference will take place in March 2025 at the Eden Project, described by the founders as a living laboratory for environmental and social innovation. If you are interested in attending or learning more, please visit www.anthropy.org for details.