Three years ago Sammy Golom spent three weeks in the Philippines, sparking a passion for seeing the world.
Golom, 26, is partnered with a local organization, Bridges of Hope that seeks the relief of poverty and community empowerment in some of the poorest nations on Earth. While in the Philippines, Golom had many interesting encounters with different people.
“There is no middle class, there are only rich people and poor people,” says Golom.
He met a lot of people living in squatter villages in dwellings often made of plywood and corrugated metal.
“They have nothing and what they want is friendship, genuine friendship.”
Golom says even his pocket change could alter these people’s lives. The Philippinos just walked alongside with him in friendship. Golom calls it “liberating to get to that point in a friendship where it is so genuine that you would do anything for each other.
Bridges of Hope has been committed to 20 years of poverty relief and community empowerment. It was started by Daniel Zopoula who is originally from Africa. Zopoula personally experienced the poverty that BOH is seeking to eradicate. He was later able to get an education and gain skills for himself to realize his vision for Bridges of Hope.
“The Filipinos are so resourceful with what they have,” says Golom. “They are so capable.”
Golom says even the poorest people will find people in even more than need than they and seek to help them. Golom came home from the Philippines with goals in mind like getting a good paying job so that he could support the people he had just met.
Shortly after his return home, Golom met with Zopoula. Since then, he has been extremely involved in Bridges of Hope. He is passionate to bring people to the same understanding that he came to.
In North America there are so many resources but “we are not always resourceful. We have to understand most of the world lives off a dollar a day.”
With Bridges of Hope, Golom does fund development and networking. He meets with people, does presentations, and speaks at schools, churches, camps and wherever he may be invited. He shares with people his experiences as well as explains the importance of the corporate responsibility as well that of an individual to aid in this relief.