XL Global Social Entrepreneur Award Winners Step Up in Style
New Zealanders Gill Dal Din and Kevin Heppleston are winners of the XL 2007
Global Social Entrepreneur Award for their support of the teen focused stepUP Foundation.
Singapore (7 January 2008): A desire to support and help teen development, along with subsequent action, led
to Gill Dal Din and Kevin Heppleston becoming actively involved in bringing the Australia based stepUP Foundation to New Zealand.
The stepUP Foundation aims to educate and excite teenagers about the possibilities for their futures in business and in life
and to deliver on key outcomes of creating empowerment, self worth, inspiration, renewed strength, tools, strategies and fun.
The XL Global Social Entrepreneur Award, now in its 2nd year, identifies individuals for their support of a
specific nominated cause. Nominees are evaluated on various criteria which include ‘visibility and awareness of their
nominated cause’, ‘generating attraction and inspiring others to participate’, ‘sustainability for
ongoing contributions’ and ‘measurable results in terms of impact on their nominated cause and effectiveness of
their contribution’. Gill & Kevin were shortlisted along with six other nominees, all of whom are XL Life Members.
With stepUP’s mission being to educate and inspire youth, particularly those who are underprivileged or at risk,
about the possibilities in business and in life, it is individuals such as Kevin and Gill that provide the required leadership
and support. Both continue to work closely with stepUp founder Ryll Burgin, and
were involved in sponsoring a 5- city New Zealand tour in February 2007, creating awareness and attracting coaches, supporters
and sponsors. stepUP is now scheduling 8 major events in New Zealand in
2008, and 18 globally including Australia, UK
and the USA.
Gill from Palmerston North, NZ & Kevin from Wellington,
NZ have been integral to stepUP’s increased awareness that has been generated through events, online community mentoring
programmes and other ways.
Gill & Kevin receive award prize money to the sum of S$10,000 which will be used in its entirety to further support
stepUP work. Gill heard of their award success through a live link-up from London
where 200 revelers at an XL Charity Ball took time out to applaud their actions and congratulate them on their achievement.
The other nominees for the 2007 award were:
· Poonam Sagar, Indonesia, for Yayasan Taman Pohon
· Matthew Whyatt, Australia,
for Heart Kids Queensland
· Daniel Priestley, UK,
for Global Angels and The Hunger Project
· Philip Krieg, Motivity Business Systems Australia, for The John Fawcett Foundation
· Shelley Sykes, Australia, for 2b1 Charitable Foundation
· Paul Dunn, Australia, for SAGE & The Paul Dunn Care Home
XL Group Chairman Roger Hamilton commented
“Gill and Kevin are fantastic examples of true social entrepreneurs whose actions gain traction and make a real difference
in the world. The attraction they have created around stepUP has led to others getting involved and supporting this worthy
cause”.
For further information
please contact Ian Grundy, XL Group.
