I have been watching Channel Nine’s
The Secret Millionaire over the last few weeks, and while I’ve found it to be quite an inspiring show, the ratings have been
rather lacklustre.
Why aren’t more people watching? Most likely, the timeslot of 9:30 on a Thursday night. Which is a shame, as there are two very important themes that reoccur in the show that it deserves a wider audience:
- Australia has many amazing unsung heroes – volunteers.
- To give, whether in time or money, can be so rewarding, not only for individuals, but for the community at large.
When I was growing up, my mother managed the local Meals on Wheels. Every morning before school I would help the kitchen staff with minor jobs, and during the school holidays, I would go out on the delivery runs. Most volunteers were retired, and often helped those who were their own age (or younger in some cases). One particular fellow was volunteering well into his 80s, and even when he could no longer drive, he would still go on the delivery runs as an aide.
Meals on Wheels as an organisation is so important, not only for providing food, but contact. Many of the older folk would greet us at the door, and it was clear in many cases that the delivery was their favourite part of the day, because they got to
talk to somebody. Many people had had no contact with their own family for quite some time, so the Meals on Wheels volunteers had taken that place, providing a connection to the community.
And this is where I think a show like
The Secret Millionaire is so important. We get to see a part of Australian society that many will never be exposed to: those in need, and the organisations and people and that are there for them, despite their own obstacles.
An article on
Philanthropy.com earlier this week shared research by Thomas J. Stanley indicating that “[w]ealthy people who give away 10 percent or more of their income to charity tend to build a higher net worth — and to be happier — than other wealthy individuals who give less” (
Most Charitable Among Wealthy Have Highest Net Worth — And Are Happier, Too).
What is stopping the average person from giving 10 percent of their income? Could we all be happier if we
tithed our income (or even time) in order to give to others in need? I truly hope each of the Secret Millionaires continue their philanthropic efforts beyond the show, and that the viewers take a moment to think how they could, in their own way, give back to the community.
