Our Commitment
The message of social justice has reached millions worldwide and caused many to answer a call to action that is no longer exclusively for celebrities, politicians, religious leaders or the business elite. It is an opportunity for all of us to become more aware of the stories of poverty and to actively search for creative outlets to directly change these lives. The revolution begins when we ask ourselves one question, “What can I do to help the forgotten?”
I asked myself this question years ago and it has guided my journey. I was born and raised in Hong Kong. I have ventured into the jungles of the Amazon, the bush of Africa, and the slums of Asia in my search for the forgotten. For ten years I worked with various non-profit organizations in producing projects to fund feeding programs, medical outreaches and educational scholarships. I also launched several marketplace businesses that fueled my desire as an entrepreneur. After a decade of traveling I am still disturbed by the faces of those in poverty who believe they are forgotten by the world.
In 2007 I traveled to the Philippines to reunite with 14,000 families who live in a city dump. We captured a 30-minute film and music project that raised awareness and funds for educational scholarships for children who just need a chance to succeed. Since its release in early 2009 we have shared their story with 100,000 people.
The Invitation project sparked the launching of Forgotten Stories, a cause driven company that works with creative artists and entrepreneurs in producing culturally relevant messages through products that raise awareness and money to help those who live in extreme poverty.
As we move forward into 2010 we will be launching a clothing line that will embrace the One-for-One model. For every piece of clothing sold, a piece of clothing will be sent to a child in need. We will also continue to partner with other creative artists and entrepreneurs in developing future products that will fuel initiatives to help those in need.
Join us on this journey. It begins with meeting one need, changing one life and taking one chance to tell those in poverty they have not been forgotten!
Derek Williams
Co-Founder
