Major Donors
Lionel and Danielle have been financially contributing to the work of Pink Cross Foundation Australia since 2014 in the form of monthly donations. Their support has been invaluable in assisting the work of Pink Cross.
1. What are your top three charitable interests?
- Pink Cross Foundation Australia
- Living Streams food bank
- Worldshare Child Sponsorship.
We support our local church food bank (Victoria, Australia) which is a fantastic ministry to our local community, supplying local families in need with basic food items etc. Many are unchurched and do not know Christ. We have financially supported a missionary family in Russia for several years, although they have recently returned home to Australia. We also sponsor two disadvantaged children in India through the organisation Worldshare.
2. Why did you become involved with Pink Cross Foundation Australia? What attracted you to us?
I first became involved with the Pink Cross Foundation from our relationship with your current Director and President, Geneviève Gilbert. More importantly, I was moved by her testimony. I felt the need to contribute towards and support this particular ministry because sexual exploitation is an area that the mainstream Church has historically been shy to talk about and neglected to address.
3. What factors go into your philanthropic decisions?
1. God’s calling and direction, something we have to seek His will in constantly through prayerful consideration.
2. Need and resource allocation. For example, some areas of missions are vastly better funded than others but there is need everywhere.
3. Available funds! There are many competing philanthropic needs. We have to be good stewards of what God has given us.
4. Vision. Does the organisation have a clear path forward to achieving their stated vision and objectives?
4. How do you feel about our organization and our work?
The work and ministry of Pink Cross Foundation is immensely important and vital to people trapped in the cycle of abuse, trauma and sexual exploitation. I feel very strongly about the stigma of deep shame that is often attached to sexually exploited individuals by many Christians and within Church communities.
In my opinion, the Church has lost its moral authority in this area because the initial reaction that comes across when Christians encounter people who struggle with issues of sexual exploitation is one of judgement and rejection – either direct or indirect.
And yet this is the very opposite of the behaviour that Jesus himself modelled towards the woman at the well in John Chapter 4. She was sexually promiscuous. But instead of judging her, He reached out to her first and accepted her, and offered her hope and the promise of “living water” instead of the pharisaical judgment that many of the disciples immediately showed towards her.
We are called to love FIRST. Not to judge hastily which so often happens. It is critical that people who struggle in this area know that they are loved by Christ first and foremost. They should know there is hope and they do not need to feel ashamed of their struggles. This is the heart of the ministry of the Pink Cross Foundation Australia.
5. To what extent does our mission (vision, work) dovetail with your values and beliefs? Why?
I am passionate about letting those negatively impacted by sexual exploitation know that the compassion, grace and love of Christ is equally available to them – even though this message is often lost in religious stereotyping and judgment that unfortunately is often what the Church projects. I may be a bit harsh here but this is certainly my experience speaking to non-Christians from all walks of life.
6. Have you ever had an opportunity to meet with a prostituted person? What impression did you have or areas of need did you notice?
Yes I have, in limited numbers in my day to day practice as an oncologist. Unfortunately, when you are diagnosed with cancer, there are greater issues of life and death to deal with but it is hard to ignore the overwhelming feeling of shame and self-loathing in those that I have met. These people need love and compassion and hope. They do not need our judgement.
7. What charitable gifts have given you the most satisfaction? What made it pleasurable? Why?
I don’t really think of pleasure when I give… I guess it feels good to give and help others. Often the benefits of our giving aren’t immediately apparent but I guess that’s when faith comes into the equation.
8. How are decisions made at your house? Do you and your spouse make charitable decisions together?
We do often discuss them together and pray about them.
9. Are there areas of conflict within the family that must be acknowledged when developing a Giving Program?
Sometimes, but I wouldn’t say overt conflict. We often feel differing levels of need which affects our giving to different charities, I suppose. But that’s why God places different burdens on our hearts for people from all walks of life.
10. What are some of the guiding principles that have helped you achieve success in your business life? Personal life? Philanthropic life?
My faith in God and my relationship with Christ is the main reason I have been able to weather and prevail enormous challenges in recent years. Oncology is often an emotionally intense and challenging area of medicine. To love one another (and, may I add, to therefore care for one another without judgement) is one of the guiding rules that I try to live by. Having a good work ethic and integrity are also cornerstone values that are essential.
11. What one piece of advice would you give us as we plan for the future?
I guess, never lose sight of the heart of your ministry. I really do feel that the story of Jesus and the promiscuous Samaritan woman at the well is central to the vision that your organisation is tethered to.
12. How do you like organisations to demonstrate their appreciation for gifts you have made?
I do appreciate being informed of what is happening, good or bad. This communication helps to keep us connected to the organisation and creates a sense of partnership.
Thank you for your time Lionel! Your support is precious.
