This last week I’ve been to New Zealand to celebrate my father’s 80th birthday.

He invited about 200 people to come and specifically asked for no presents. Instead he asked for us to contribute to the mission work with the Carpenters Kids in Tanzania.

These children have nothing and need a hand up in life. It takes about $80 per year to give them food, clothing and education.

This selfless act made me think about how my own father has been giving out to others all his life. What an amazing way to have an 80th birthday and celebrate by investing in the next generation.

Made me think how often we are focused on ourselves and fail to think about those who are coming next.

I heard this week that they have raised around $10,000 from those who came on the night and I feel very privileged to be a part of such a great cause and celebration.

It is an 80th birthday that I’ll never forget and now the challenge for me is to follow in my father’s footsteps and be focused on others more than simply myself.