Robin's Charities
One of the most beautiful things about Robin Gibb was the way he cared about others in need. He had an open, generous heart and he expressed kindness by doing his part to make sure members of our human family were fed, honored and cared for while ill. He especially cared for children.
Through studying Robin’s life, I learned about the various charities he was connected to during his career and life. In 2012, I started donating to support his work and legacy with Unicef, Rebecca House, and RAF Benevolent Fund.
I donated to help the people in need of support through these organizations. I also made donations in Robin’s name for his spiritual well-being, development, and advancement as a spiritual being. I donate in his name to care for his spirit.
In 2012, I was just becoming familiar with how to communicate with loved ones in spirit and with how to honor the memory of a person who has passed away. During my studies, I came across a book called, Living, Dreaming, Dying: Wisdom for Everyday Life from the Tibetan Book of the Dead Aug 3, 2004 by Rob Nairn.
In the book, there is a chapter discussing different ways we can help deceased loved ones. I have included some excerpts below because this chapter is very important to me and has served as my primary guide in teaching me how to help Robin with the maximum possible benefit.
The excerpts below are from Chapter 13, Helping the Dead:
Offerings on Behalf of the Deceased
Helping people who are poor, hungry, or suffering generates good karma. What the lamas suggest is that we do beneficial acts for the living on behalf of a deceased person, thinking, “This is for you; I dedicate the benefit of what I am doing to your welfare,” or words to that effect.
The words aren’t important. What matters is to undertake compassionate activity with the pure intention of helping the person who died. Best of all, distribute some of the dead person’s wealth or possessions with this in mind.
Practicing generosity, even on behalf of others, is a very powerful spiritual help for them.
…It is said that one way of generating spiritual energy, not only on behalf of those who have died but for everyone, is to make offering to spiritual teachers or to support spiritual institutions…
….So this is something we can all do; it’s practical and in harmony with our Western philanthropic practices. Many of the West’s greatest institutions—universities, hospitals, schools, churches—were founded and are supported by the endowments and bequests of ordinary folk as well as industrial billionaires….
…the intention of the giver, not the size of the gift, is what counts. Dana (an offering to a teacher or institution) benefits the giver as well as the recipient…
…I find the teachings concerning helping the dead very heartening and practical because it is so empowering. Instead of collapsing in grief and self-pity when someone close and dear dies, we know that death is not the end of the story. It is the opening of a new chapter where we can do things that will help the person as never before. We can do more for the person’s true, long-term spiritual welfare than may have been possible in life. If we love someone, what more could we ask?
I hope you find this perspective as inspiring and comforting as I have. This is one of the most beautiful things I have learned during my journey with Robin after his passing. Since I did not know him, I never got the chance to give him anything or do anything for him. But now I can and it heals my heart to know that I can support him in this way.
Below, I have shared 3 charities that were close to Robin’s heart. I hope you will take the opportunity to learn more about them if you are not familiar. I also include some information about Robin’s personal connection to these charities. Thank you so much for visiting:
Unicef
…the Bee Gees’ contribution to the effort, “Too Much Heaven,” would go on to be a #1 pop hit and raise more than $7 million for the charitable programs of UNICEF.
A Gift Of Song – The MUSIC FOR UNICEF Concert was the official recording of the concert and continued to raise funds to provide food, health care, shelter and education for the children in greatest need in 100 developing countries. Robin reported that they were “very happy with the results”, but he added, “The television show was secondary. More important is that all the copyrights from all those songs were donated to UNICEF, and hopefully other songwriters will follow. And we are willing to take every measure to make sure the money reaches the kids it’s intended for.”
Source: Bilyeu, Melinda; Cook,Hector; Môn Hughes,Andrew. The Ultimate Biography Of The Bee Gees: Tales Of The Brothers Gibb (Kindle Locations 12254-12258). Omnibus Press. Kindle Edition.
Rebecca House
RAF Benevolent Fund
About the Bomber Command Memorial
Bomber Command BBC News Coverage
With Love and Appreciation,
Christina Samuels
