Hey, Drew, How Can We Change the World?

From the first hello on the phone, I have looked forward to every word from Drew McLellan. Drew has a magical way of seeing the world that combines humor and humanity into compassion.

So I wasn’t surprised to find out that Drew is on the board of Variety US, a charity serving children. Nor was I surprised at the way he chose to explain his “purely selfish” reasons for being there. A humble guy would make sure that you’re looking the kids not at him.

Variety for Purely Selfish Reasons

Guest Writer: Drew McLellan

Why would a guy get involved?

Why Variety?

Honestly, for purely selfish reasons. I admit it. I serve as an Iowa and US Variety board member for myself. After all, isn’t this the what’s in it for me era? So what do I get out of it? Joy. Pride. Laughter. Opportunity.

Joy? I am literally immersed in joy overflowing every time I participate in a Bikes for Kids rally or see a child’s face when they realize that the technicool wheelchair really is for them. The kids and their uncensored awe creates an energy that you can’t help but get caught up in — and I get to carry that with me for days.

Pride? How lucky am I that I get to use my god given talents and skills to change my little part of the world? I am so proud to be associated with the amazing staff and volunteers who give their all to raise the money that allows a young boy go to Diabetes camp or provides new school supplies so a little girl won’t get teased by her classmates and can actually look forward to her first day of school.

Laughter? Whether it’s a board meeting, fundraiser or just because, the incredible people that Variety attracts have enriched my life with their friendship, warmth and laughter. There is an aura of determined giddiness that seems to flow from these good people who make the time in their busy lives to help kids who will probably never meet their kind hearted benefactors.

Opportunity? Variety is my chance to say thank you. Thank you for a healthy daughter. And a blessed life. It’s my way of trying to tip the scales and share some of what I’ve been given because truth be told, in a blink of an eye — it could just as easily be me who’s pacing outside a peds ICU room or trying to understand why my child will never walk.

I’m sure most people give their time to Variety for the kids. But in my case, it’s all about me.

Drew McLellan

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Thanks, Drew, for your purely selfish reasons.
It’s the “purely” that makes the difference.

We can change the world — just like that.
–ME “Liz” Strauss

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If you’re ready to change the world, send me your thoughts in a guest post. Feel free to take the gorgeous Change the World image up there that Sandy designed back to your blog. Or help yourself to this one.

Email me about what you’re doing or what we might do. Let’s change the world one bit at a time together. Together it can’t take forever.