At a time when immersive technology and media are exploding, Rajeev helps hone the focus to foster development on the inside. One of eight dedicated trustees, the rising city worker by trade is the founder of an innovative, hands-on charity that does everything to “place the donor first.” This means both respecting and involving the contributor by ensuring complete transparency during the donation process and inviting a personal stake. The Butterfly Project, which works with a diverse range of international children’s charities, not only conducts thorough background checks on your preferred handpicked organisation - so you know your money is being well spent – but also offers you the chance to travel out and see the real life impact for yourself: “these are otherwise beautiful locations,” Rajeev stated, “with communities full of strong and resilient people”. You too can then forge a connection with those less fortunate in the world: “a trustee is always available to make the trip and meet with the partner organisation. Whether it is to help build a well in Uganda, or provide science labs and an eclectic library for potential students in Nepal, 100% of the money goes to the charity. We make sure to understand their individual needs and requirements to affect the widest possible change off the back of the most effective plan.” In this way, The Butterfly Project doesn’t just break down third world boundaries, but grows and unites the human spirit as well. “I do think so many more people would give to charity if they just felt more motivated,” the savvy Rajeev aptly added. “It was about incorporating that into a working, organisational model.”
Do you think those of us who have a healthier salary have a sworn duty to help less developed countries?
Yes, personally I do. It’s important to remember that charity can be in any form; as long as you’re giving it the time of day, someone, somewhere will benefit. You can donate small amounts, simple, spare clothes lying around the house. If you like to be more active such as myself, there’s always the option of planning in a bit of charity work whilst you’re on holiday and taking time off abroad. There are plenty of projects you can get involved in: playing sports with the local kids or signing up to teach reading and writing.
How do you balance your work as a trustee with a demanding job in the city?
It’s tough because both require a lot of hard work, but the fact that I’m blessed enough to be enjoying the comforts of the western world drives me towards helping others. In the first world, we do tend to take things for granted - spend far more time looking up the ladder than considering what’s below. It does also help that we’re partnered with reliable charities with whom we have good correspondence. That lessens much of the stress: all the well organised, small projects done together amounts to big change. For example, we donated a blood analyser machine to a hospital in Jaffna, and the partner charity there on the ground sourced the equipment to find that the number of children, and consequently the parents, who were benefitting were in the hundreds of thousands for what essentially cost the price of 2 5k runs. Each project is becoming more organically incremental too: we’ve gone from supplying simple school equipment to medical devices and infrastructure that improve the education and medical support systems for the children as a whole.
Would you like to move into charity or NGO work full time?
I would, but perhaps not quite yet. I would like to know we had raised enough funds to make ‘The Butterfly Project’ a bigger, sustainable outfit. I also feel the charity needs more ambassadors to take control of regions and particular projects that require time and sustained focus, something we are hoping to be able to change over due course. This could be people of any age able to spare a little time throughout the year to bring real progress with our charitable efforts. Our lives away from being trustees at The Butterfly Project, allows us to connect with like minded individuals who help us achieve these charitable goals, whether it be fundraising, or bringing ideas to the table regarding future projects
What inspired the name ‘The Butterfly Project’?
Some of the more creative trustees brainstormed the names. We settled on a vibrant image because it is a children’s charity, and charity work itself is meant to be freeing and light. It’s not just about austerely giving money. You’re doing something great and you should be able to enjoy it.
How exactly has your career in financial sector helped you with the charity work?
Mainly in terms of solidarity - many people share my vision. A lot of people in the city do charity work and with the rise of sports and outdoorsy activities there’s been a hearty combination of the two: marathon runs, several creative fundraising events in different public spaces.
What have been some of your most memorable projects?
I remember doing a few school- based projects up in Jaffna, at the beginning of last year. We were visiting different schools and some of these children didn’t even have money to buy a pair of shoes: we were able to clothe them and equip them with school bags and give them some basic stationary. They were so grateful that they came to touch our feet as a sign of respect - I felt almost embarrassed. All we were doing was giving them basic supplies! It was humbling. Another incredible memory was when we were working on a mental health project in Africa, working on a playground using local materials and bric-a-brac. A child who hadn’t smiled in 4 years just gave one of our trustees one of the biggest hugs.
Finally, do you have a particular motto that helps you get through the day?
Be the change that you wish to see in the world.
www.thebutterflyproject.org.uk
