“One particular person could make a distinction. That one particular person might be you when you care sufficient.”
Patrick J. Rhodes (aka @PatrickTheGiver) is keen about giving again. He’s a residing instance of how one particular person can enact lasting change simply by beginning the place they’re, with what they’ve. By way of his acts of kindness, Patrick hopes to encourage others to become involved in their communities.
We caught up with Patrick to seek out out extra about how he obtained began along with his benevolent efforts and the way he plans to proceed boosting morale in his group – and past.
Learn on for the total interview with Patrick.
Inform us a little bit bit about your self! What’s your title? How would you describe your self in 3 phrases?
“I’m Patrick Rhodes and I’m a group advocate in Tampa, Florida. If I needed to describe myself with 3 phrases it might be giver, loyal and humble.”
What initially introduced you to Bonfire?
“I keep in mind a couple of years again trying to find a customized shirt for an occasion and Bonfire got here up. I’ve been a fan ever since then.”
What impressed you to start out giving again to your group?
“Once I was youthful I all the time wished to assist different folks. I keep in mind going to the nursing dwelling with my mother and father and offering blankets for the residents. Ever since that have I wished to proceed to offer again.”
How has Bonfire helped you additional your trigger?
“Bonfire has been a real blessing. I used to be capable of simply create my marketing campaign attire and share my merchandise and message of kindness with my followers. I actually love the assist Bonfire has proven me on their social media.”
Your aim for 2022 was to supply 2,022 books by authors of coloration to Tampa elementary faculties and group facilities via your Assist Various Books marketing campaign.
Wanting again over the previous 12 months, how did your Assist Various Books marketing campaign on Bonfire assist assist this mission?
“Bonfire has been extraordinarily instrumental in furthering my trigger. They’ve used their platform to focus on my group initiatives when others present zero assist. I really like the variety and inclusion perspective of Bonfire.”
What are a few of your favourite various youngsters’s books?
“I really like this query. I’ve so many favourite titles like I Am Ruby Bridges (written by Ruby Bridges, illustrated by Nikkolas Smith), Hair Love (written by Matthew A. Cherry, illustrated by Vashti Harrison), We Are Household (written by LeBron James and Andrea Williams) and Black Boy Pleasure: 17 Tales Celebrating Black Boyhood (edited by Kwame Mbalia).”
What are your targets / hopes for the long run?
“My aim is to open up a expertise middle the place at-risk youth can be taught and really feel seen in a protected and sort surroundings.”
Why did you apply to be a Bonfire Model Ambassador?
“I utilized as a result of I really love the Bonfire model and message of variety and inclusion.”
Bonfire Model Ambassadors
Bonfire Model Ambassador are a choose group of people who embody Bonfire’s core values, are Bonfire tremendous followers, and are doing superior work to strengthen and encourage communities in every single place.
Concerned about changing into a Bonfire Model Ambassador? Click on right here to use!
What recommendation would you give to people who find themselves in search of methods to offer again to their communities?
“It’s okay to start out small. There are folks in your group who’re ready on you to make a distinction. Go be the change maker.”
Is there the rest you want to share with the Bonfire group about your journey / work?
“I’m tremendous excited for what the long run holds due to folks like me and others who care so deeply for his or her communities.”
On the time of this interview, Patrick has 2 fundraising campaigns on Bonfire: Assist Various Books, and Illustration Issues. Buying a shirt from both of those campaigns will assist increase consciousness concerning the lack of various books in faculties, whereas additionally serving to Patrick increase funds to have the ability to donate books written by authors of coloration to elementary faculties and group facilities in hopes of filling the gaps!
You will discover extra details about Patrick on his Instagram (@PatrickTheGiver) and his web site.
Thanks for taking the time to learn this interview and be taught concerning the work that Patrick is doing to assist make this world a kinder, higher place.
Written by: Hayden Eire / Content material Specialist
Illustrated by: Madison Summers / Lead Advertising Designer