It was during his time at Wheaton College more than 35 years ago that World Vision first popped up on Paul White’s radar. It got him thinking about Christians’ responsibility to share their financial resources with those less fortunate around the world, and the notion stuck with him for life.
Today, as president of Appreciation at Work™—a small firm that provides practical resources to help leaders and organizations build a healthy workplace culture—White gives back on a regular basis.
“I believe that as followers of Christ in North America, we have been blessed with many resources and are to be good stewards of them,” he says. “Those resources are not solely for our own use and enjoyment.”
White says he’s motivated to keep partnering with World Vision because of our commitment to being a responsible steward of the gifts we receive. He has been involved in our microfinance efforts to help hardworking entrepreneurs get on their feet, while also being a child sponsor and a donor responding to natural disasters.
“We are a small team (of seven) with a policy of distributing 10% of our profits to various ministries and those in need,” White explains. “Our team members get to participate in choosing which organizations we share our funds with. I’ve seen World Vision be there for needy individuals and families for decades across the world and in many situations, and I am incredibly impressed with their long-term work.
“World Vision has remained true to their vision and mission. They have always been an organization of integrity—you know that the funds you give are going to where they have identified the need, and they have been committed to keeping their overhead low so that the vast majority of your gift reaches those in need.”
White hopes any organization considering a philanthropic program will get on board as soon as possible. “Do it—and do it now!” he says. “Explore the various ways you can partner with World Vision to help those less fortunate.”
“I’ve seen World Vision be there for needy individuals and families for decades across the world and in many situations, and I am incredibly impressed with their long-term work.”
— Dr. Paul White, President of Appreciation at Work, Co-author of The 5 Languages of Appreciation in the Workplace
