Bilaal Rajan also motivates both kids and corporations to get involved, is a global speaker, and meets with significant world figures like Nelson Mandela (former president of South Africa and anti-apartheid activist).
He has been granted many awards for his humanitarian efforts and achievements.
"I am no more special or gifted than you,” says Bilaal, who lives in Richmond Hill with his proud parents Aman and Shamim. “Everyone has potential. You all have this type of potential inside of you, just waiting to get out."
In 2001, when Bilaal was only four, he heard about a massive earthquake in Gujarat, India, and wondered what he could do. After all, this was where his ancestors had come from.
Inspiration struck from the juicy Clementine he’d been eating at the time. Bilaal bought oranges and went out, with a parent/grandparent, to sell them door to door. Some people said no. “My parents taught me that you should always keep trying. I was inspired to help the children, who had been left alone, without parents.”
Bilaal raised $350, “a lot of money to a four-year-old.” Since then he’s gone on to raise huge sums for great needs. He also visits the disaster- and poverty-stricken regions he helps, in Indonesia after the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, Mexico, Africa. There, Bilaal helped build a school for HIV-AIDS orphans.
He also struggled to raise money for HIV-AIDS kids one Christmas season in downtown Toronto, selling beaded plates he had made from a science kit. Then one man paid $200 for a plate, and another bought 10 plates.
Says Bilaal, “If you are inspired to raise funds for any worthwhile cause, don’t let anything stop you. No matter what.”
His book, “Making Change: Tips from an Underage Overachiever” (Orca Book Publishers 2008), is a great lesson in fundraising for kids and adults. Bilaal began writing the book – also an account of his extraordinary life – at age 10.
Recently, Bilaal was one of 11 outstanding Ontarians - and the youngest ever recipient - chosen to receive the province’s Medal for Good Citizenship for their commitment to the betterment of their communities. A seasoned traveler in his work, he also is an Honour student at school.
One of his latest causes is CooKids -- Contributing, Organizing and Outstanding Kids. This program allows students throughout Canada to raise funds for their own schools while learning important organizational, administrative and communication skills.
Other recent endeavours include Taking Action on the Environment, and Ending the Use of Child Soldiers. And whatever he does, he believes in teamwork.
Bilaal believes strongly in teamwork. "While you can raise $100 by yourself, you can raise thousands when you recruit others to help you,” says Bilaal. “Many people have no way of making their voices heard, so it is often necessary to have a strong voice when speaking on behalf of others. You can do that better with a group of people.”
"Each and every one of us possesses differences and unique abilities. Celebrate these! They are what make us special, and they are also what makes having a team of people to work with so amazing.”
For more information visit:
http://www.bilaalrajan.com/
www.makingchangenow.com
http://www.handsforhelp.org/
