Samantha Key, a member of BNI Pontefract in England, is proof that BNI relationships can span the miles.
Samantha found a recent Mobility Dogs article on the BNI website which struck a chord with her, as she was planning a parachute jump to raise money for Dogs for the Disabled in England.
“I have a special interest in charities where humans and animals come together to assist each other,” says Samantha.
This type of partnership had special meaning when, in November last year, she broke her ribs and was house bound for three days.
“If it wasn’t for my 4-year old Jack Russell, Poppy, I would have felt very isolated and alone. I decided I wanted to do something which you might not get the chance to do if you had a physical disability.”
Samantha’s involvement with Dogs for the Disabled comes from a lifelong passion for dogs and through working with people with a range of disabilities. By doing something a little different, she wanted to raise an awareness of the work which Dogs for the Disabled do, and to collect as much money as possible for the charity.
For Samantha, the best part was of the jump was the free fall. “It was like swimming in the sky – it was so quiet and peaceful, I didn’t want to land.”
One place she will be landing, is New Zealand.
Although a fairly new BNI member, Samantha has networked with Kiwis through BNI and Mobility for Dogs. She plans a trip to New Zealand towards the end of August, when she will be visiting new-found BNI friends before completing a trek around the South Island.
“It’s something I have always wanted to do and if it wasn’t for BNI, this trip of a lifetime wouldn’t be an option. Real proof that the givers gain principle really does work!”
A photographer, Samantha can already vouch for the fact that BNI works, saying: “You don’t just get to improve your business – you get to make friends with like-minded people and take a journey together.”
