A philanthropic lifestyle is the one for Yohan Blake

Doing it for the love and not the likes, Olympian Yohan Blake is as focused on bettering Jamaica as he is on track and field. It's a lifestyle.

Through his YB Afraid Foundation, the soft-spoken sprinter is determined to help the less fortunate in any way he can. Most notably, Blake, with the help of partners, rebuilt and transformed Mount Olivet Boys' Home in Manchester, where boys ages 8-18, who are orphaned, abandoned, and homeless are provided with residential and social services. The young men are assisted with education, recreation, employment training, and other opportunities to help with their development and ability to contribute to society.

He is candid that he knew what hardship was like growing up, but is of the opinion that his experiences have shaped the individual he is today. It is with this mindset that the St James native wants to give youngsters an opportunity and “show them the light”.

Taking a note from Whitney Houston, he says, “I believe the children are the future. We're going to all pass one day, and they are going to take over, and if we don't look after the future, then there won't be any.”

In May, he ran to the aid of Irene Morgan from Smithville, Clarendon, who needed help to repair her ramshackle home. Morgan, who suffers from peripheral arterial disease, got a Mother's Day gift of a new house from Blake, who partnered with Food For The Poor Jamaica for the initiative.

In its purest form, philanthropy is the desire to promote the welfare of others, expressed especially by the generous donation of money to good causes. It helps to create a better world. And while Blake's good deeds aren't always publicised as his manager, Timothy Spencer, tells it. “It's far from vanity projects for him. He does these things for genuine love. He has spent US$2.5 million in his career helping others. Lifting the standard of care for wards of the state.”

Spencer then recalls a story of going to the bank with Blake. Once they left and were outside, a woman came up to him who was in need. Blake gave her his cash and then had to go back to the bank to get money for himself. “It's who he is,” says Spencer.

Most recently, Blake went back to his alma mater, St Jago, to speak financial planning to many of the same teachers who taught him as a student. “I can quit any day of my life and still be alright because I have worked for that and made plans for that, and you can make those plans too. It doesn't matter how small it is,” he told the audience of teachers.

When asked to describe who Yohan Blake is, he answers simply, “optimistic,” and goes no further.

Plagued with injuries in the past, he is questioned as to how he is doing from both a physical and mental standpoint. “I'm in a good place right now,” he answers.

With the recent National Honours and Awards having taken place on Heroes Day, social media mutterings as to why Blake hasn't been honoured started to trend.

While recognising the importance of the honour, Blake isn't wholly concerned. “The work speaks for itself. You put in the work, and the work speaks for itself. We're not going to beg for an award.” His faith comes into play as he continues, “The Bible says we shall be rewarded.”

Coming off of a decent track and field season, which he admits “I haven't had in a long time”, he is giving God thanks for his blessings and is set to resume his training schedule tomorrow.

What about his naysayers? “In the Bible, there was a man called Judas. No matter how much he betrayed, Jesus still washed his feed. So the people will say anything, but what they are saying gives me the strength for tomorrow.”

Probed on what's next for him, he's quick, “I like to keep things as a surprise.” He then elaborates and uses his favourite word “I'm just optimistic about the future and just have things in mind that Timmy (Spencer) and I are working on. Looking forward to [building] on the foundation, and give people opportunities, and building more homes for families.”

Asked if he has a family or any offspring, it becomes apparent that Blake might also be a comedian, “Not as yet; I'm a man like Clint Eastwood,” he utters.

Our conversation turns to his hopes for Jamaica. “There is so much. My hope for Jamaica is to be the next prime minister so I can fight for the country.” Does Blake have political aspirations, perhaps? Like a sprinter who might have made a false start, he thinks about his next words and goes back to the starting line. With a chuckle in his tone says, “Not really, but the country is not what it was before, and if they elected me and Timothy Spencer, I believe that we could make a big change in so much that the government isn't seeing.”

He notes he's “growing.” Long gone are the signature braids and dance with claw effect at the end of a race. Maybe they will resurface, but for now, his focus is helping others while continuing to blaze down the track.

debra.edwards@gleanerjm.com