I was coming home from a formal function in the city last week. It was late, had been raining, and I was all gussied up - white mess jacket, bow tie - you get the picture. As I drove down Edward St I heard the familiar thunk thunk of a flat, so I pulled over, turned on my hazard lights and started to open the boot and extract the (now) familiar equipment.
Just as reached the boot, three BYTs, two guys and a girl, stopped and asked me if they could help. I initially said "no, thanks" but they insisted. The young lady (Grace by name, grace by nature) said that she had always wanted to learn how to change a tyre, and this was her chance. Given the way I was dressed (like a penguin) and the memory that the last time this happened (again at 11.30pm and dressed in tails!) I decided to take them up on their generous offer.
I just hoped they weren't helping because they considered me an old fella (when did my hair go from brown curls to salt & pepper grizzled? :))
In the twenty minutes that it took to change the flat I discovered that their names were Andrew, Grace and Kyle (hope I got that right) and that they were on their way to a 21st celebration at the casino. I offered to buy them a drink when they had finished but they wouldn't have a bar of it. The least I can do is tell their story - and mine. I mentioned in the latest edition of The Boss's Guide to Bright Young Things that 30%+ of volunteers in the philanthropy sector are Gen Y. It's the same attitude that saw these 3 BYTs stop and offer assistance to a stranger. So, the next time you need an illustrator (Andrew), a photographer (Grace) or a nurse studying to be an economist (Kyle, what???) drop me an email and I'll put you on to them!
To you guys, thanks again. I have little doubt that people like you will run the world and do a better job than the people who came before you.
Incidentally, just as we were packing up another group of 3 BYTs came up (also two guys & a girl ????) and asked if we needed any help. They were quite distraught that they weren't needed.
There's no fluke in that!
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