Giving keeps a community’s heart beating strongly
Published on 18 August, 2026
By Chris Williams, Momentum Waikato trustee.
Philanthropy is "the practice of giving time, money, or resources to help others and improve the well-being of humanity”.
The home I grew up in, although of modest financial means, was rich in values that included being generous and humble, and treasuring the family unit above everything.
Coming from a loving, two-parent household gave me a privileged foundation and a mindset that has always been focused on making a difference - through all my business, governance and artistic endeavours.
Like all passionate Waikato people, I love our region and am committed to helping to leave a lasting, generational legacy. My philosophy in my business has always been to pay it forward. I firmly believe we have a responsibility to put back into the community that has given so much to us.
For the full equation of philanthropy to work, it takes all the elements - time, money and resources. Harnessing all three through the collective generosity, wisdom, experience and forward-thinking of our community will ensure the whole equals greater than the sum of the parts.
Giving our region an added foundation will help build on the fertile ground that has always nourished us.
It all starts with the practice of giving. That’s what keeps a community’s heart beating strongly.
