Anne Geddes' Hope for the World

by Mac Duffy

As we give thanks this month, let's look toward those individuals whose mission it is to help those less fortunate. Not only do they serve as wonderful role-models for ourselves and our children, their selfless acts serve to remind us that, despite the horrible things that happen in this world, Angels do exist and hope is very much alive for a brighter future.

This month, I'd like to take a moment to honor the efforts of Anne Geddes and her husband Kel. Anne's incredible eye for capturing the beauty, magic and wonder of a child is matched only by her family's commitment to help prevent any harm that might come to children throughout the world. The following are just a few of their vital endeavors:

Since 1992, designated funds from the range of Anne Geddes products (totaling more than US $3.5 million) have been donated through the non-profit Geddes Philanthropic Trust to help prevent child abuse and neglect in Australia, New Zealand, France, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Among the many charities they have helped is the C. Henry Kempe National Center for the Prevention and Treatment of Child Abuse and Neglect.

In 2001, the Geddes Philanthropic Trust announced a $1 million contribution to Childhelp USA to help support the Childhelp USA National Child Abuse Hotline. In early 2005, more than $83,400 of nominated returns from the Anne Geddes Bank of America credit cards was donated to the UNICEF South Asia Tsunami Relief Effort. And, following Hurricane Katrina in the U.S., more than 20,000 items of Anne Geddes Baby Clothing were donated to benefit the babies affected by relocation, and in many cases, separation from their parents.

Interested in doing more than simply sending money, Anne and Kel initiated the Geddes Fellowship program in 1998 at the Children's Hospital at Westmead in Sydney, Australia to "fund a dedicated primary physician concentrating in the identification, treatment, and research of child abuse and neglect." An essential part of this Fellowship is a travel grant to enable communication and an exchange of ideas and findings. Following the success of this initial program, Anne and Kel established the Geddes Fellowship at the Children's Hospital at Orange County, California, in 2006, on the hospital's Suspected Child Abuse and Neglect (SCAN) team. Then, in 2007, a Geddes Fellowship was also established at Starship Children's Hospital in Auckland, New Zealand.

We could all take a lesson or two from the Geddes. Just as in a garden, there is beauty all around us, but it needs nurturing. Gardeners come in all shapes, sizes, and abilities, and there can never be too many when it comes to helping the children of our world grow and prosper. Please take a moment to think how you might help. A great start would be to visit www.annegeddes.com to learn more about the Geddes Philanthropic Trust.