Sarah Ford | August 6, 2012
What if D.C. made an Olympic effort to end poverty?
Many of us have been glued to the television over the past week as we watch extraordinary athletes compete in this summer’s Olympic Games. Like competitions of the past, the London Olympics are not only the result of hard work on the part of the athletes but also of remarkable community support and financial investments. I can only imagine that if the District, instead of London, had been selected 10 years ago as the site of the 2012 Games, our city would have made a similar commitment: building grand stadiums, housing and feeding thousands of athletes and putting on a show worthy of the world stage.
So here’s my question: If we were prepared as a community to mobilize the region’s resources and fund the premier athletic event in the world, why can’t we make the same commitment to house our homeless neighbors, feed hungry families and clothe young and old in our community? If our local government and the private sector were prepared to provide beds, healthy meals and showers for athletes from around the world, why do so many among us not have a bed, a healthy meal or a shower?
Consider the following costs of putting on the Olympics:
(Published: August 3; The Washington Post, By Mark Bergel – Founder & Executive Director of )
Get Resources and Insights Straight To Your Inbox
Explore More Articles
February is Marfan Awareness Month!
Marfan syndrome affects an estimated 1 in 5,000 people regardless of race, ethnicity, or gender, and experts estimateÌýthat nearly half the people who have Marfan…
Read Article
February is Cancer Prevention Month
A substantial proportion of cancers could be prevented, including all cancers caused by tobacco use and other unhealthy behaviors. Excluding non-melanoma skin cancer, at least…
Read Article
Celebrating the Agents of Change this Black History Month
During Black History Month, which takes place each year during the month of February, there is much to celebrate about the past achievements and impact…
Read ArticleGet Resources and Insights Straight To Your Inbox
Receive our monthly/bi-monthly newsletter filled with information about causes, nonprofit impact, and topics important for corporate social responsibility and employee engagement professionals, including disaster response, workplace giving, matching gifts, employee assistance funds, volunteering, scholarship award program management, grantmaking, and other philanthropic initiatives.
