READING THE FUTURE
that “by remaining steadfast in our efforts on these fronts, we can affect many other issues, such as health and poverty.”
In September 2014, Wood relocated from New York City to Hong Kong to be closer to the Room to Read project areas. “Room to Read has an amazing base of supporters here. It has been the home of our numberone fundraising chapter (out of dozens worldwide) every year for eight years running, and our Asia Pacific board is strong and continues to grow.”
In developing and expanding the global impact of Room to Read, Wood had to fly more than 150,000 miles a year—equivalent to approximately 11 annual return-trip flights between Hong Kong and San Francisco. Now, based in Hong Kong, the city’s efficient transportation system and centralised location will help to minimise Wood’s stress and travel distances. He adds, “I also love the energy of Hong Kong, the ease of doing business and the sense here that all things are possible.”
Although he works more now than he ever did as a Microsoft executive, Room to Read gives him a greater sense of fulfilment. “When I visit our countries of oper ation, I see hope. I am constantly in awe of the passion and dedication of our local teams, and rejoice alongside family and community members who see the value and opportunity that education brings to the children of their villages.”
Nearly nine million children have benefited from the services offered by Room to Read so far, and Wood explains that they hope to reach millions more in the years to come: “Room to Read will have completed its mission when no child can be told ‘You were born at the wrong place, at the wrong time, to illiterate parents—and therefore will not have access to a quality education.’ We believe that premise belongs in the scrap heap of human history.”