Campaigner and Honorary Graduate, Sir Bert Massie will tell guests there is “more to philanthropy than money”, as he delivers the University of Liverpool’s 2014 Fred Freeman Lecture on Tuesday.
Marking the hundredth anniversary of the publication of seminal text, The Ragged-Trouser Philanthropists by Robert Tressell, Sir Bert will call 21st Century Britain “a nation of philanthropists”.
But he will urge his audience to look beyond major cash donations to smaller acts of kindness, without which he says “the country would be deeply impoverished”.
Working people
Evoking the principles of Fred Freeman, Sir Bert will say: “He had huge respect for working people and trade unionists. He saw them, rather than himself, as the philanthropists.”
And while there are “many advantages of private wealth”, as demonstrated by the work of billionaires such as Microsoft founder, Bill Gates; Sir Bert will hail the enormous impact of collectives such as the co-operative movement, the charitable sector, voluntary organisations, University annual funds and campaigning groups.
Sir Bert will say: “If the definition of philanthropy is accepted as being a love of humanity, the motive of the philanthropist is as important as the act of giving.
“All the great world faiths have giving at their heart. The act needs to involve love or at least altruism. I suspect some acts seen as philanthropic would not pass the test.
“Giving money or other material resources is just one way of expressing that love. Some people have so much money that can give away large sums without it having any effect on their lifestyle.
“Should we pay attention to those who do not have money but give generously of their time? Do we value their contribution?”
Sir Bert goes on to mention individuals he knows who have gone beyond, such as the council official who helped him secure disability support as a student, or the civil servant who overlooked promotions to see disability access on public transport secured. He will ask: “How is this less philanthropic than signing a cheque?”
He will also praise the work of the voluntary sector and question the current Government’s attitude towards it, which he feels leaves many raising self-preservation above pursuing the social policy they were initiated to serve.
Sir Bert will say: “If you want to find today’s philanthropists you will see their name on fine buildings or even on the doors of rooms within buildings. Charitable trusts are named in their honour and continue to do excellent work.
Nation of philanthropists
“But in proportion to their income people with modest salaries and no capital also give generously but usually they remain anonymous. This figure is almost three quarters of the population.
“The truth is we are a nation of philanthropists, some wealthy and others wearing ragged clothes because there is more to philanthropy than money.”
The Fred Freeman lecture was established by a gift awarded by his family to the University through his charitable foundation, and is intended to honour his lifetime of achievements (including the founding of payroll giving) by recognising, celebrating and encouraging philanthropy and the benefit it brings to society as a whole
The 2014 Fred Freeman Lecture, delivered by Sir Bert Massie, takes place in the Victoria Gallery and Museum’s Leggate Theatre on Tuesday November 18, from 6pm. Tickets are free but must be booked. Visit http://bit.ly/1wXC6q0 for more
Find out more about the impact of philanthropy on the University at www.liv.ac.uk/giving
