BNI Philosophy of Givers Gain in Action – BNI Member, Dr. Ricardo Pun-Chong, is the 2018 CNN Hero of the Year

Dr. Ricardo Pun-Chong, member of BNI LDS Exito in Lima, Peru was recently honored as the 2018 CNN Hero of the Year. This is an incredible accomplishment and is a testament to the true spirt of BNI Philosophy of Givers Gain that Dr. Pun-Chong embodies.

He received the award on Sunday 9 December, 2018 for his tireless efforts providing free housing, meals and support for sick children and their families while they undergo various treatments. The award is determined by online voters who selected Pun-Chong from among the Top 10 CNN Heroes finalists.

The ceremony was attended by a who’s who of celebrities, and the award itself was presented by renowned hosts Anderson Cooper and Kelly Ripa

As a result of begin named the Hero of the Year, Dr. Pun-Chong will receive $100,000 to grow his cause. A cause that benefits hundreds of families in need through Dr. Pun-Chong’s nonprofit, Inspira

Many of those families must travel far from home to seek the best medical treatment. Often unable to pay for a place to stay, these families can find themselves homeless while fighting for their children’s lives. Some camp out in the hospital corridors.

“I couldn’t get the picture of the families sleeping on the floor out of my mind,” Pun-Chong said. “So, I decided to do something for them.”

Since 2008, Inspira has provided free housing, meals and overall support for sick children and their families while they undergo treatment. The organization has helped more than 900 families who’ve come from all over Peru.

Pun-Chong, who lives a few blocks from the shelter and is there almost every day, runs the organization with the help of a small staff and an army of passionate volunteers. He spends every holiday with the families there.

“The kids inspire me every day,” Pun-Chong said. “When I’m with these kids, and I feel how strong they are, I understand that there are no problems that we can’t resolve.

View Dr. Pun-Chong’s acceptance of the award below

About BNI

With over 246,000 members in 8,500-plus chapters worldwide, BNI is the world’s leading business referral organization. In 2018 alone, BNI member referrals generated over $15.6 billion USD in revenue for member businesses.

Established in 1985 and with global headquarters in Charlotte, North Carolina, USA, the mission of BNI is to help members increase their business through a structured, positive and professional referral marketing program that enables them to develop long-term, meaningful relationships with quality business professionals.

Through weekly meetings and exclusive resources, BNI helps business owners, entrepreneurs and executives build a strong network that fuels professional growth.

BNI is built on a set of guiding principles which form the foundation on which members interact, conduct themselves and fulfill their goals. At BNI, we’re Changing the Way the World does Business^®.

Givers Gain^®

Givers Gain is the underlying philosophy of BNI. We exemplify that by giving business to others; you will get business in return

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