The Clifton Review
The Clifton Review is a tri-weekly column that examines the question of the Clifton project along with the evolution of the war between two billionaires. We covered the start of this war with articles describing the battle over easement rights, the mysterious burning of a home, the blocks to rebuilding, and countless questionable court filings.
While the 2018 series salutes fashion mogul Peter Nygård’s Golden Jubilee detailing his rags to riches story, his incredible business success over these past fifty years and an inside look at how he did it, The Clifton Review will also continue to address current affairs as they relate to the good of The Bahamas.
Nothing But Heart
By P.J. Malone
What does it say about an individual who seems to never stop giving? It says that he is truly committed to helping others.
During a week of 50th Anniversary celebrations, fashion mogul Peter Nygard showed his heart once again. His company’s press release shared the following:
NYGÅRD International, in keeping with its commitment to support cancer research, on Friday presented a $100,000 donation to CancerCare Manitoba. NYGÅRD vice chairman Jim Bennett presented the donation to CancerCare Manitoba president and CEO Annitta Stenning, as part of the company’s 50th anniversary celebration event.
In addition to the financial contribution, NYGÅRD donated 1500 mammography gowns to the Breast Check and mammography unit at Health Sciences Centre in Winnipeg.
Nygard’s commitment isn’t just financial; his continuous inclusion of breast cancer survivors in every fashion show reveals his dedication to their cause and strong belief in celebrating their lives.
Nygard once said, “You can’t take it with you”, which helps to explain his generosity. This is such a welcomed perspective when we are bombarded with examples of selfishness and greed.
One grave example was the 2008 financial crisis that came about as a result of what many would describe as ‘greed’. The fallout was a domino effect that impacted world markets.
So, what makes a person generous of heart as opposed to selfish and greedy? Well, who can say for sure. One thing we can say is that most of us were brought up to be more giving.
Author Judith Johnson shares this perspective with the Huffington Post through her article entitled “Generosity or Greed — It’s a Matter of Choice”:
All major religious and spiritual traditions urge us to live our lives from the inside out, expressing outward into the world instead of in reaction to externals. We are urged to ground our consciousness in the core of our being where we find a oneness with others that allows us to be together in a loving, caring and cooperative manner.
Whether one believes that this core of our being is God or love or something else, when we touch into this place an urge to unite is aroused. Some fear that this urge to unite is diametrically opposed to personal material wealth and comfort. Others suggest that as in the two parables of the loaves and the fishes where Jesus is said to have fed a multitude with just a few small barley loaves and fish, compassion creates possibilities that are invisible to those driven by self-interest. (March 15, 2012)
Clearly, Peter Nygard gets it as it continuously demonstrates his compassion and desire to continuously give.
The 100-thousand-dollar donation was made during Nygard’s 50th Anniversary opulent gala event that featured VIPs from around the world:
The event featured a stunning fashion show showcasing vintage NYGÅRD fashions from five decades as the leader in Canadian women’s fashion, and put the spotlight on 25 breast cancer survivors on the runway.
Guests were treated to a special performance by legendary country music performer Tanya Tucker, as well as a world-class magic show from Las Vegas magician and mentalist Simon Winthrop. Over 1800 guests attended the event, including 300 VIPs who traveled from locations around the globe, including Kenya, China, Egypt, Indonesia, Jordan, the United States of America, and Peter Nygård’s home country of Finland.
