In the month of International Day of Charity and International Day of Democracy, this is a reminder of what becomes possible when we lead with the heart.

Not For Sale co-founder, Mark Wexler, looks back on nearly two decades of friendship and partnership with human rights activist Kru Nam in Thailand.

Discovering a story of couragous charity

“I first met Kru Nam in northern Thailand nearly two decades ago; the story that unfolded was one of courageous charity.

“She had seen children trafficked into karaoke bars and brothels, their futures thrown into turmoil, and she did what most of us hesitate to do: she acted. She ran into those clubs and pulled children out. Not because she had the resources or a clear roadmap, but because her heart wouldn’t allow her to do otherwise.

“By the way, we do not advocate that people run into brothels, that’s a good way to get yourself and others hurt. But it was a sign of the times back then. She had a deep feeling of hopelessness. That if she didn’t act then no one would.

 

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Growing through hard work, intent, and an outpouring of support

“At Not For Sale, we often reference the early days. Particularly the days when I had to carry $10,000 to Thailand to help fund what became Not For Sale’s Baan Kru Nam (Kru Nam’s Home). But those dollars alone didn’t transform lives.

“Ultimately what did was the intent behind them; that’s charitable outpouring of support from the Not For Sale community – friends and family around the world –  standing up to injustice and responding not with despair but with an open heart.

“A charitable heart is the difference that has carried our work forward. Since 2007 Kru Nam and the global Not For Sale community around her have supported tens of thousands of children and families across Thailand, Mynamar, and Laos.

The importance of democracy what charity makes possible is priceless

“They’ve built so much. They’ve created space where children now graduate from universities. They’ve proven that charity is so much more than a singular moment of generosity. It’s a way of living. It has the power to rewrite laws, rebuild systems, and reimagine futures.

“Charity in this sense is not about a one-time gift. It’s about applying creativity and innovative resilience with an open heart.

“The lesson from Thailand is simple but profound: the most powerful movements don’t begin with perfect plans or abundant resources. They begin with a willingness to act out of love. When that kind of charity takes root, it multiplies into physical manifestations and well beyond that… It’s generational transformation.

“This September, as we reflect on the International Day of Charity and International Day of Democracy, I invite you to see giving not as a single act, but as a way of being. Lead with your heart. Act charitably. And watch what becomes possible.”

Back democracy – donate today and remind yourself of what charity makes possible when we lead with the heart.