Tim Costello talks global ethics
Shepparton was proud to host the one and only 'World Vision Guy' Tim Costello on Friday 12 October 2007 for a formal dinner at Eastbank. Mister Costello also held an informal seminar for students about his world vision and how to make poverty history.
The seminar was attended by students from Shepparton and nearby areas and the charm of the World Vision CEO hypnotised all of the students, who were listening to him attentively.
Tim Costello's vision
Mr Costello opened his talk by commending the rain that had been pouring in Melbourne and apologised for not 'taking the rain with me to Shepparton'.
In his seminar, Mr Costello emphasised the importance of people in regional areas being aware of issues around the world. "From Shepparton," he said, "you can make a huge difference in lives for people you don't even know."
This guy certainly has a world vision. Not only because he works in an organisation under the same name, but also because he has been to places where any donation can help keep people alive.
Twenty years ago, when he was in The Philippines, Tim met a mother who was living in a slum with three young children. One of the children was sick and the only medicine to cure him would cost her fifty pesos, which also would mean that she wouldn't be able to feed the other two children for ten days. She chose not to buy the medicine and let the sick little boy die.
"I couldn't imagine if it was me who had to make those decisions," Mr Costello said softly.
Make a difference?
Those experiences make me think of the common, over-used phrase, that cliché: 'make a difference'. After hearing the phrase so many times, for the first time I actually witnessed someone who is actually making a difference and doing something real, not just saying it because everyone else is.
Mr Costello also emphasises the tight link between poverty and global warming. Poverty in third world countries sometimes seems very far away from us, but everyone will be affected by global warming. That is why everyone should develop their 'global ethics'.
The idea of global ethics is rather complicated, but the point is that we, as a part of the global village, have to be able to tackle issues such as global warming, global terrorism, global viruses and global poverty to survive the 21st century. Because we are so global and so close now, every problem in the world has become our problem as well.
Organisations such as World Vision acts as bridges between people in Australia who live in comfort and those who are not as fortunate as we are. They are more than just charity organisations. They also build a better global village in which everyone can live.
Mr Costello was certainly an inspiration. We, as young people, appreciate his effort to make us aware of issues and to inspire us for things we could do. Hope he had a wonderful time in Shepparton.
Articles Written by Tigana
Disclaimer
The content of these stories and articles are provided for information and entertainment purposes only. The views expressed are those of our roving reporters/editorial team members and do not necessarily reflect those of the Victorian Government. While every endeavour is made to ensure the currency, accuracy and authenticity of content, it can not be guaranteed. The Victorian Government does not accept any liabilities for any loss, damage, cost or expense you or others might incur as a result of the information or advice (or the use of it) on this website or in the articles. People using the site should undertake responsibility for assessing the relevance and accuracy of its content.
