A note from the CEO

Dear friends

October shone the spotlight on India as people from all around the world travelled to Delhi for the Commonwealth Games – whether via plane or their television screens. Throughout the 11 days, athletes competed, the media reported and supporters cheered. And quietly in the background, more than a million Opportunity International Australia clients worked hard at their small businesses – selling drinks and snacks to tourists, tailoring suits, weaving sarees or making souvenirs.

Times like these remind us to celebrate our sporting heroes – exceptional people who work hard at their craft, sacrifice time and again to achieve their goals and, fortunately, so often see the victory that comes with a shining medal. But during the Games, I couldn’t help but celebrate the other heroes of India…

Like our athletes, they too are exceptional people. They work hard at their craft and sacrifice time and again. But for these heroes, victory is not in the form of a world record. For them, it is in being able to put food on the table at night, pay school fees, or buy a blanket for their children for when the nights become cold. For them, there is no cheering stadium pushing them on – and yet their victory is one of the most important of all. It is victory over poverty. They are India’s microfinance clients.

In their victory speeches, athletes often thank the people who gave them the tools they needed to succeed. On behalf of our clients, I want to thank you. Thank you for your donations – you are creating a whole new generation of heroes.
 

Robert Dunn
Chief Executive Officer