In 1998, Ryan Hreljac was a six-year-old boy living in Kemptville, Ontario, Canada. During a lesson at school, Ryan's teacher explained that many children in Africa had to walk long distances to fetch water, and even then, the water was often dirty and unsafe to drink. The teacher mentioned that $70 was enough to build a well that could provide clean water to an entire village.

This fact struck Ryan deeply. At six years old, he couldn't fathom a world where people lacked access to something as basic as clean water. He went home and told his parents he wanted to help. Ryan’s parents were supportive but thought it would be a fleeting interest. However, Ryan was determined.

Ryan started doing extra chores around the house, like vacuuming and cleaning, and he even skipped treats and toys to save money. It took him four months to raise the $70. When he approached a local organization, WaterCan (now part of WaterAid Canada), he learned that the cost of building a well was actually closer to $2,000. Instead of being discouraged, Ryan doubled down, enlisting the help of friends, family, and his community to raise the additional funds.

With the help of donations, Ryan eventually raised enough money to build his first well in Angolo Primary School in Uganda. In 1999, at just seven years old, Ryan traveled to Uganda to see the well in person. There, he met the children who benefited from the clean water his efforts had brought. It was a life-changing experience for Ryan, as he realized how much of an impact one act of giving could have.

Ryan didn’t stop with one well. Inspired by his trip to Uganda, he founded the Ryan’s Well Foundation in 2001. The foundation focuses on providing access to clean water, sanitation, and hygiene education in developing countries. Ryan continued to speak at schools and events, encouraging others—especially young people—to take action and make a difference.

Oseola McCarty was a humble washerwoman from Hattiesburg, Mississippi. Born in 1908, she lived a modest life, earning her livelihood by hand-washing clothes for local families. Despite her meager income, Oseola had a profound sense of frugality and purpose. Over the decades, she quietly saved the majority of her earnings, living simply and without extravagance.

At the age of 87, Oseola made a decision that stunned the world. She donated $150,000 of her life savings to the University of Southern Mississippi to fund scholarships for deserving African American students who lacked financial resources for higher education. Her only request was that the money be used to help students who were serious about their education.

When asked why she gave away so much of her savings, Oseola replied:

"I wanted to help somebody’s child go to college. I’m too old to get an education, but they can."

Oseola’s gift inspired countless others to follow her example. Her story received national attention, and additional donations poured in, multiplying the impact of her generosity. She received numerous awards and honorary degrees, but she remained humble, focused only on the joy of giving and helping others.

Robert Kennedy famously (or infamously!) chose to never carry cash. Rather, he had a reputation of relying on his friends and entourage to fork over the dough when needs arose. Biographer Evan Thomas records that on one such occasion, Kennedy found himself at a church service with no money to put in the plate. He looked to his friend to put something in on his behalf. The friend reportedly place a single dollar into the plate, to which Kennedy chided, "Don’t you think I’d be more generous than that?”