Tony Blair: In Favour of Philanthropy

Tony Blair: In Favour of Philanthropy: Part of the difference lay in appreciating the extraordinary and dynamic role of the Philanthropic sector. Today's 11th Global Philanthropy Forum registers an opportunity to see how far this sector has developed and how much more it could develop further.

Some philanthropic institutions are global names today such as the Gates Foundation and Clinton Global Initiative. This in itself is new, and proof of their impact. Others are less well known but no less effective. Their reach is now felt in obvious spheres like health, education and poverty relief. But increasingly, this 'third sector' is supporting initiatives in business development, women's empowerment, human rights and the improvement of government itself. There are traditional parts of the sector such as the Faith community, which, for example, provides almost half of all health care in Africa. But there are also sprouting up scores of small start-up philanthropic institutions that will operate at a niche level, but make an extraordinary difference with very ordinary amounts of resource.

Hong Kong but not forgotten (From Stroud News and Journal)

Hong Kong but not forgotten (From Stroud News and Journal): ENVIRONMENTAL science graduate Micheil Gordon has arrived back in Stroud after completing a gruelling 9,780-mile charity bicycle ride from the UK to Hong Kong.

The 25-year-old cycling enthusiast undertook the nine-month journey with the aim of raising �30,000 for WaterAid,

Third of Britons 'have no interest in volunteering or fundraising' - Third Sector

Third of Britons 'have no interest in volunteering or fundraising' - Third Sector: "Research commissioned by Parkinson's UK finds 61 per cent of population have never volunteered

Almost a third of the British public have no interest in helping charities through volunteering or fundraising, according to new research commissioned by the charity Parkinson's UK."

UK charities struggle with Iceland losses - Forbes.com

UK charities struggle with Iceland losses - Forbes.com: "Naomi House is just one of scores of charities across Britain that lost a combined total of 120 million pounds ($200 million) held in Icelandic banks, according to Audit Office estimates.

The setback means scaling back plans for its new, 9.5 million pound ($16 million) residential hospice for teenagers and young adults, still a construction site a few hundred yards up the hill from the main house."

'Chuggers' shunned as Britons try to dodge charity donations - Home News, UK - The Independent

NP'Chuggers' shunned as Britons try to dodge charity donations - Home News, UK - The Independent: "The poll shows that two-thirds of people will cross the street to avoid 'chuggers' or charity muggers.

More than a quarter admitted to falsely having told a charity worker that they had already given money to their colleague. A similar proportion said they had told a Big Issue seller that they had already bought a copy of the magazine. Nearly half of all Britons admit to telling a street collector that they have no change and 7 per cent said they had haggled over the price of an item in a charity shop."

Call for unity on volunteering - Third Sector

Call for unity on volunteering - Third Sector: "Charities should present one message to the public, says Media Trust chief

Charities should consider drawing up a coordinated strategy to attract more volunteers, key volunteering figures have been told."

Destination News - London, Florida, Geneva & South Africa Luxury Hotels - Red Carnation Hotels

Destination News - London, Florida, Geneva & South Africa Luxury Hotels - Red Carnation Hotels: "One of the greatest madcap events of the British summer, the Great British Duck Race is due to take place once again this August."