VAUGHN Royer is proving you don’t need to be Bill Gates to be philanthropic.
He regularly supports those in need on the mountain, sometimes quietly paying people’s rent, donating IGA gift cards or simply donating his time.
“If I can make someone’s week amazing just paying for some groceries it will improve my life and make me feel good,” he shared.
“I grew up poor, with not a lot. My mum was just able to put food on the table. There were no holidays or going out for dinner.
“When I met Amy, (his wife) we didn’t have much money and could only just put food on the table, so I know what it’s like to be in the situation where you have to put food back from the shopping cart because you can’t afford it.
“I made sure when I started to make more money than the bare minimum, I would put a percentage back to gifting to people having a tough time.”
During COVID Vaughn went to a local estate agent and asked to help pay the rent of some people who were really struggling.
While the recipients never knew who their generous benefactor was, the agency shared their gratitude with him, and knowing the difference this would have made for his family if they were struggling, he said made him feel amazing.
Vaughn regularly buys IGA gift cards and gives them to the Presbyterian Church to donate to those in need.
He has also donated to the local schools.
When asked how he comes with up ideas to help he said he gets a hunch or a gut feeling and just does it.
“Before I had money, I still tried to help in ways that didn’t involve money such as through volunteering,” the online marketing expert explained.
“There are many ways people can give back, it doesn’t have to be money, if you don’t have money give time, help your neighbour.”
Vaughn’s spirit of giving has inspired others and that’s something he’s keen to promote in the community.
He said it can be as simple as buying the person beside you a coffee or gifting to a stranger.
Now he has inspired others to follow his lead and said friends often thank him for inspiring them to do more for their fellow humans.
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