Years of Purpose
A Legacy of Changing Children’s Lives
Our History
It all began in March 2001, when former Chairman, Brian Wilkie MBE, and Paul Oliver – co-founders of Gulf for Good – wanted to raise funds to buy an ambulance for a war-torn community in Namibia.
That led to them establishing Gulf for Good, operating (to this day) under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed al Maktoum, Chairman of the Emirates Group. With a Board of four enthusiastic people, including Jim Berry, who is still Gulf for Good’s Legal Advisor, they coordinated a group of 49 people to climb Mount Kilimanjaro, raising enough money to buy 4 brand new Land Rover ambulances!
Brian and Paul realised they had started an amazing journey together and could change the lives of many more around the world.
Since then, Gulf for Good has continued to implement sustainable projects in the developing world, taking people on adventure challenges to raise money and make a real difference in the lives of underprivileged children around the world.
Since 2001, Gulf for Good has hosted more than 100 challenges, raising almost USD 5 million for 63 projects in 30 countries, helping over 33,300 children in need.
What’s more, our challengers always return with stories of how their own lives have also been changed, with many long-lasting friendships forged.
2018
2020
2026
In May 2018, after 17 years of tireless service, Brian stepped down as Chairman, handing over to former Charity Director and 16-time Gulf for Good Challenger, Anne Edmondson, endorsed by our patron, His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed al Maktoum.
In 2020, our sister enterprise, the thrift shop Thrift for Good was established, with a mission to rehome pre-loved items, reducing waste and raising funds to help children around the world.
Today, we celebrate 25 years in the UAE.
