Deseret News | Gaining new perspective

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Gaining new perspective

Because they wanted to | 2:47 p.m. May 3, 2009

I think what I like best about this story is the fact that this company chose to do this simply because they wanted to. Not because some political party, or political agency required it of them.

With all the political nonsense happening right now, we have to remember that service is given freely, not forced.

It does require that we individually remain vigilant for ways to continue serving and not fall into the trap of complacency because we have lots, or are getting older, etc.

But, I worry that certain political powers are trying to hijack the true definition of Service. It can't be required, or mandated, that takes away from the beauty of it. It needs to be given willingly.

Thanks to Benefical Financial Group for providing a very positive example to the rest of us!

True Joy | 5:02 p.m. May 3, 2009

I appreciate stories like these. they remind us of the good in people and the good that remains in corporations. If only other companies and CEO's had the humility to do what is good instead of just profitable perhaps we would'nt be in the mess we're currently in. "Hats Off" to Beneficial Financial Group for doing something like this. "Hats Off to KSL for deeming this newsworthy".

Anonymous | 5:06 p.m. May 3, 2009

Great Story. Carole Makita always seems to get the uplifting stories. Thanks for covering this. I'm interested to know if other companies are doing this and we just don't know about it. Does anyone know?

Comments continue below

Anonymous | 6:20 p.m. May 3, 2009

I love this idea that a group of business people would do this together. I think more work places should do this. Doing service together makes a group work closer together as well as all the benefits the people interviewed named. What a great thing to have done. Congratulations for setting a great example.

Really? | 6:32 p.m. May 3, 2009

is it really true? hard to believe that insurance agents or financial planners would be as concerned about giving back as they are about taking. nice to know that there are still decent people in the world of finance today.

Anonymous | 7:54 p.m. May 3, 2009

This sounds like the Beneficial Life company that so many of us used to know. Glad to know that they are getting back to their roots and doing whats good instead of just what makes them money - particularly in todays "greedy" environment.

Good people | 8:02 p.m. May 3, 2009

Its good to see that there are still people today that love to serve other people, simply because they want to. It is such a great example to see these people of the financial world, choosing to go serve people in a remote part of the world, instead of going to a resort on a beach to relax. These are the kind of people that I would like to have taking care of my finances, because they seem like they truly care for others and they are not in it just for the money. Thank you to Beneficial for reminding us of what is really important and for making a difference in this community.

Sassa | 8:04 p.m. May 3, 2009

Does anyone know how citizens can get involved in this project? would it be through CHoice or through Beneficial?

Member from the trip | 8:18 p.m. May 3, 2009

You can get involved through Choice Humanitairan Group. THey're based in Salt Lake and they are great to work with! Also, if you had any questions, I'm sure Beneficial would love to answer them.

Thankful | 9:43 p.m. May 3, 2009

One of the participants on this Trip is related to me. it was a life changing event for them and they cannot wait to go back. I can see it in their eyes - they have a new persepctive as the headline states. Thanks to those who felt this was worth doing and i hope that Beneficial continues to support this initiative.

Changed my Life !!! | 10:46 a.m. May 4, 2009

I have participated with CHOICE Humanitarian on three expedition now. It has changed my life and the lives of my family as we have worked in the villages in Guatemala. What a great organization and dedicated people. I would highly recommend this to any family or individual that really wants to make a difference. Companies can also sponsor projects, countries or even "adopt-a-village" to see the progress over 3-5 years. That's how I got involved.

Good Example | 10:54 a.m. May 4, 2009

I am glad that some people are making a difference in this world. Especially, a company from the finance world. What with all the stories of big bonuses that are not needed, it is nice to see a company that doesn't care about bonuses. I like seeing a company that cares about others first. Thats what business SHOULD be about. Bravo to Jensen for the idea, and bravo to Beneficial Financial for setting an example.

Impressed | 11:35 a.m. May 4, 2009

Way to go Beneficial Financial Group! I love to see that you are doing good things! I am also impressed with Tovoain, the dentist. I love to see dentists and doctors going to help people in third world countries. I am also extremely impressed with the teenage girls that attended the trip. It is hard to find a teenager that is not self-centered in today's society, and I am proud of these girls for caring about others instead of themselves. Is there anything that I can do as an outsider to donate to help this village?

Anonymous | 12:08 p.m. May 4, 2009

Nice to see a company rewarding employees with a chance to serve and have a life changing event, rather than a trip to some lavish resort.

Anonymous | 12:39 p.m. May 4, 2009

This is really a great story. I'm glad to see an uplifting story in the news, instead of the usual stories of murder, kidnapping, government, and diseases. I absolutely can't wait to watch the special on it tonight!

A. | 1:10 p.m. May 4, 2009

Sounds like a win win situation for all involved. Other companies would be wise to call organizations like CHOICE humanitarian and follow this excellent model. Well done, Beneficial!

great story | 1:49 p.m. May 4, 2009

great story. glad to see that there are people in the world who are still interested in things that are make a real difference.

Amazing | 1:57 p.m. May 4, 2009

It is always such a wonderful surprise to see people take time out of their busy schedules and lives to help improve the lives of others.

this is no easy drive to the neighbor and drop off dinner either. They trip in is very difficult and the work back breaking. I would like to see more people get involved with life and truly care about the welfare of others.

Anom | 10:17 p.m. May 4, 2009

Something that wasn't mentioned is that each person came up with around $1000 to help donate to the cause before they left. I know because I contributed and helped send one of the participants. Not only did they serve, they helped donate the means to make it happen.

Anonymous | 10:39 p.m. May 4, 2009

This company made a wise decision in going there. That is such a great act of service. If more companies did stuff like this for well-being of others.. where would this world be today. It is so nice of them to take time out of the busy lifes and go help countries that are less fortunate. Great job to all of those who went and were apart of this!

Just saw the story on KSL | 12:18 a.m. May 5, 2009

Good Story about Good People. Worth watching if you did not get a chance to see it. go to ksl.com and you'll find it. it is similar to this story but provides more detail. I've notice that the DesNews and KSL are giving more coverage to uplifting stories. Glad to see it.

Economy | 4:00 p.m. May 5, 2009

WIth today's economy being as terrible as it is, it is such an amazing thing for people to do these kinds of acts of service. For these people to strive to qualify for this trip is awesome. And on top of that, to donate their money for the better, during times where money is tight, is such a great act of charity.

Anonymous | 4:51 p.m. May 5, 2009

This is a great story! Thank you for sharing it with us.

Anonymous | 5:43 p.m. May 5, 2009

this is such a wonderful story! it makes me so happy!

Uplifting stories | 7:50 p.m. May 5, 2009

Like so many others have said, it is great to hear stories like this! Its nice to hear an uplifting story, instead of the stories of murder, rape, money scandals, and such. Thanks to Carol Makita for choosing such an uplifting story!

A | 8:44 p.m. May 6, 2009

What a good example! I absolutely love this story!

Good Will | 3:02 p.m. May 8, 2009

One thing not obvious but running throughout this story is that nothing is more fun than giving. These are selfish people in the best sense of the word, they do not deserve our praise so much as our emulation.
One terrible mistake is to think that giving up rampant consumerism is a "sacrifice." Quite the opposite, only then can you truly begin to live up to your human potential.
Go ahead, give, and see how much fun it is.

Anonymous | 11:52 a.m. May 14, 2009

I've gone on these types of expeditions and have helped organize them. The thing you don't count on is that you receive so much more than you could ever give. They may be poor, but they've actually learned how to be happy without material things and are willing to give of their time freely without worrying about the next appointment. We can learn so much from them. Think how we could change our society if we could be more like them.

Warner Woodworth | 10:05 p.m. May 31, 2009

To the doubters and complainers: Ive helped to design and launch a number humanitarian projects in Guatemala since 1995. Many continue to grow and have become sustainable strategies for empowering the poor. Based on my experiences among villagers in Africa, Asia, and Latin America, I'm quite sure that the impoverished families of Guatemala prefer that U.S. volunteers spend the money and time to go there, see the realities, and embrace the people rather than just send a check. It's the building of relationships, the face-to-face encounters, the laboring in the trenches with the poor, the personal manifestations of caring that mean most to them, as well as to us. How wonderful it is that Utah is becoming a hotbed of international outreach and the empowerment of others who struggle to simply survive. Over the past couple of decades I have been blessed to facilitate the rise of many such efforts of those who give of themselves. These experiences have given my life, as well as that of my family, friends, business associates and other acquaintances genuine joy in serving the less fortunate.

Naomi Flaten Weber | 10:59 a.m. Oct. 5, 2009

It's great to see the good you are doing in the world.

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