Perreault Magazine - 55 -
The turning point for me was him telling me that people that can recognize a solution for a social problem and make things happen will forever be burdened until they try and make positive change. This conversation changed my perspective in what was important in my life. Without meeting Scott, Sid and I would not have the boldness to try a big idea like World Housing.
The second person may come as a surprise. Ian Gillespie, the founder of Westbank Developments, took a real risk by sponsoring our first community. In my opinion, Ian is Canada’s most innovative thinker in the development sector. His genius allowed him to see the far reaching social impact of applying our one-for-one model to his Vancouver House project.
It was the first time we saw wealthy real estate purchasers connect with people that live a completely opposite life. The result was over 370 homes gifted and more than 1,800 people moving from a shack to a new home. For me, the real story was not just Ian’s ability to inspire others to see the world differently, but also to live differently.
You actually went to graduate school to learn more about social entrepreneurship, which is very interesting. Can you tell us more about that experience and how it had an impact on truly implementing the World Housing movement?