This essay is a selection from the special edition of UnPoverty by Mark Lutz. The new edition has been released in celebration of Opportunity International’s 50th Anniversary, featuring new chapters from leaders throughout Opportunity’s history.
February 19, 2021
By Opportunity International
As Al was beginning his work in Latin America and raising support for microloans in Washington DC, another innovative humanitarian leader was exploring similar opportunities on the other side of the world.
David Bussau grew up in an Anglican boys home in Australia and began his own entrepreneurial journey by renting a hot dog stand when he was 15 years old. He loved running his small business, and over the course of the next 20 years, he launched several successful enterprises.
In 1974, he and his family had reached what David called the economics of enough. Because of their business success, they had more than they needed and were in a position to serve others, so they decided to travel to Darwin, Australia to help the victims of Cyclone Tracey. Soon after, David went to Indonesia to help with an earthquake recovery program. It was an experience that shifted David s perspective and his future.