We continue our new blog series, Take 5, with Kaynan Rabino of the Ted Arison Family Foundation. Designed to take the pulse of the cause community, we asked Kaynan five questions that will help you learn more about Good Deeds Day, the global philanthropy community and Kaynan.
Kaynan Rabino has been in his current role as Vice President of Vision Ventures in the Ted Arison Family Foundation (Israel) for four years. Vision Ventures investments include “Ruach Tova” (Hebrew for Good Spirit) and Shari Arison’s initiative Good Deeds Day. Kaynan previously served as Ruach Tova’s CEO for 10 years and has retained his position as CEO, Good Deeds Day for the past 11 years. Prior to that he worked for 13 years in the Scouts Youth Movement and as a social worker. Let’s Take 5 with Kaynan:
Look into your crystal ball…what’s the next big thing globally in volunteerism and corporate social responsibility (CSR)?
Globally, we all seek a more connected and united world. Corporations want to unite their company branches and brand, and as individuals, we want to make a difference and feel that we are a part of something larger than ourselves. To me, the next big thing: a global day of volunteering and doing good, has already begun and will continue to grow in popularity among CSR and volunteerism trends because people desire that connection to one another around the world, and need a simplified and positive way. One day where everyone around the world joins together to simply make our world a better place is very powerful. Yes, I am describing Good Deeds Day – I truly believe it has the power to change the world and will soon be the new face of CSR.
What’s the most amazing thing people should know about you or your job?
I’m fortunate to be able to travel and meet the people we work with around the world, which is the best way to understand their culture, approach to volunteering, and how we can best support each other. Meeting our partners and seeing their work is very inspiring.
What do you wish people knew about Good Deeds Day?
That taking part in Good Deeds Day is truly really easy and simple. Also – between us, doing something nice for someone else also makes you feel good, too.
What person has had the most influence on your career in philanthropy and doing good?
When I was 18 I postponed my army service to do a year of community service (similar to AmeriCorps), and I encountered a kid who didn’t have $5 for a field trip – it was the first time I understood there are people who are less fortunate, and that is when I felt very strongly that my mission and goal in life is to work for everyone to have a happy and fulfilled life, to build a stronger and more united world and communities. This child has had the most influence on myself and my career in doing good.
Good Deeds Day began in Israel, 11 years ago. How have you been able to grow it globally getting citizens, communities and companies involved?
We’re here for the long run so we started small but with a big dream, and we have a lot of patience. Each year we build, grow, develop and cultivate partnerships with people, companies and NGO’s all over the world. Sometimes it takes a year or two for them to come to fruition, but other times, they get the benefits immediately and it takes off from there. Good Deeds Day is also an idea that resonates with people of all cultures – doing good for others and our planet is a deeply relatable concept.
Five Fun Facts About Kaynan:
- Favorite App: United Airlines
- Last Book Read: The Doing Good Model by Shari Arison
- Hobby: Cooking (my favorite thing to cook at the moment is pastas)
- Favorite Place to Unwind: In a volunteer activity – doing good makes you feel good and helps you see how you can be part of making a difference
- Guilty Pleasure: Slurping on milkshakes
Leave a Reply