One Visit to Cambodia Turned a New Yorker Into a Global Hero

via CAAI

By Rachel Rossitto

Thursday, September 9, 2010

Barton Brooks left his comfortable lifestyle to change the world. You're next.

Have you ever woke up one morning, gone to your 9 to 5 job, sat at your desk and stared out the window, wishing you were doing more better the world? Barton Brooks did, and he also did something about it. It only took one eye-opening trip across seas for him to realize that he had another calling in life.

Brooks, 38, was a real estate agent in Manhattan and decided to go to Cambodia. He always had a large appetite for traveling and adventure, but this very special trip made him realize the impact he could have on underdeveloped countries.

While there, he fell in love with a group of orphans who were cared for by Buddhist monks. When he returned to the US, he gathered supplies for them and began creating projects "Guerrilla Aid" style through random acts of service around the world.

He finally ended his real estate career and founded the nonprofit Global Colors, an international volunteer organization working to bring about change through volunteer projects. Their mission is: "You go somewhere, do something and teach others to do the same."

The organization has grown to help people in countries across Asia, South America and Africa. They've also launched their World Wish Bead Campaign, which helps women in both Burma and Kenya sell handmade bead necklaces. By example, Barton hopes to spread the message that a simple gesture can make a big difference and that everyone can help in their own way.