No. We are not stealing from the rich and giving to the poor. We are merely taking giveaways from generous, willing donors and giving them to people who we know need them.

The concept is simple. Each meeting attendee brings a toy and a book to the meeting. While sightseeing in the city, he/she looks for a needy child, approaches the child and ask if he/she wants a toy and a book. If the child is comfortable about chatting, it will be nice to have a few minutes conversation.

What has just happened? The meeting attendee became more aware of the place where the meeting is being held and its people. Instead of just waondering around looking for tourist attractions/shopping/restaurants/bars (there is nothing wrong about playing tourist this way), the visitor who is in town just to attend a meeting became more aware of the human beings that populate the city and perchance make a connection.

The toy and book merely facilitates a connection. Certainly -  it can bring a lot of joy to the child and satisfaction to the giver. I have met children in various places around the world who have never owned a book. And trust me – no child has ever met a toy he did not like.

This is not about charity. It is about understanding other cultures and extending a hand in friendship. It is about promoting peace in the world one friendship at a time. Who knows where it might lead? Who knows who else can be brought into the conversation?

Why children? Because they are the leaders of tomorrow, they are the future decision-makers, statesmen, entrepreneurs, philanthropists, activists who will change the world,

Multiply this effort a few million times and meetings can make a huge difference.

We will start with the International Technology, Meetings and Incentives Conference to be held in Prague on November 10-13, 2006.  PLEASE JOIN US!

All the best,

Andrea