“It's truly remarkable to reflect on the fact that two decades have passed since the inception of the Golder Trust for Orphans (GTO). When I took on the role of CEO in 2009, I was filled with enthusiasm as I discovered the recently established GTO and had the privilege to visit South Africa, where I had the chance to witness the impact firsthand. One of the early beneficiaries of GTO's support was a small rose oil production facility.

During my initial trip, I had the privilege of meeting incredible individuals who explained how GTO was making a profound difference in the lives of a generation of young people, many of whom were orphaned and lacked parental guidance. Their stories touched my heart deeply, to the point that the very next evening, I couldn't help but feel a sense of urgency. I emptied my wallet and gave all the cash I had to the local caregivers who were tirelessly supporting these children.

GTO's influence went beyond personal gestures. It transformed the culture within our company, Golder Associates Corporation, at that time. It opened our eyes to the extraordinary impact a corporation like Golder could have when it committed to supporting initiatives like GTO, both through corporate contributions and the generosity of our dedicated employees.

I am immensely proud to have served on the GTO board for an extended period. It was a rewarding experience to be part of the process that evaluated numerous projects for ongoing support. As I reflect on those years, I can't help but cheer for GTO and its continuing mission.”

“I still vividly remember my GTO volunteer trip to South Africa in 2013.  To see the poverty and hardship that is endured every day and the good and happiness that the GTO brings was an unforgettable and irreplaceable experience.  Congratulations GTO on 20 years of support to those in need.  Let us hope for many more!”

“Hard to believe it has been 20 years for the GTO!  I have loved watching this organization grow, reading about the fantastic projects it has completed and listening to the stories of my colleagues after they have returned from a trip.  The GTO is such a fantastic and worthwhile organization that supports communities and helps them thrive.  Congratulations on 20-years and I hope this is only the beginning!”

“Congratulations to the GTO on twenty years of sustained support for our local NGO partners improving the quality of life of so many vulnerable kids! Because of the support of the GTO,  I have witnessed kids survive epidemics and become young adults due to greater food security, safer living conditions, access to medicine and education, causing these kids to have hope for a brighter future. A heartfelt thanks to our employees and WSP for their faithful and sustained financial support, the Board of Trustees for their dedication to the GTO vision and our NGO partners for the incredible work they are daily doing with kids in these local communities. I am excited to see how the GTO legacy continues to sustainably improve the quality of life of vulnerable kids in the next 20 years!”

 “When I reflect on the 20th anniversary of the GTO and my time as a foundation trustee, a number of things stand out. Firstly, Rick Firlotte’s vision of the GTO being the first truly global employee funded social initiative of Golder Associates truly united the company. Secondly, the Trust also ensured that the whole Golder community connected with our then newly joined African company. And lastly, I can never forget the smiles of the hundreds of children we have supported.”

“For 20 years, our staff have demonstrated our core values through caring about and contributing to the GTO.  It is a way for our people to demonstrate how they care by getting involved in something bigger than themselves. Congratulations to the staff volunteering their time to support GTO activities and Happy Anniversary GTO!”

“What a fabulous achievement GTO! Congratulations on 20 years. I am looking forward to following the next 20 years of success!  The GTO’s goals resonate with so many people, and you create meaningful change for children and communities across the globe. Truly something to celebrate!”

The GTO Is a fantastic organisation that builds up whole communities by helping them to undertake projects developed within the community. I was overawed on my Volunteer Trip to Zimbabwe by how excited everyone was to meet us – from the children receiving their daily meal at local schools who wanted to play, and the local football team challenging us to a match; to the young adults who worked with us to build a chicken coop (where they would learn valuable skills for their own villages) and the Community Health Care workers excited to tell us about their work and show off the bikes they use to expand their support to surrounding areas. Seeing the direct impact our donations make for those that need it most makes me proud to have been a GTO supporter for the last 10 years!

“The GTO is something that has been taken to the hearts of many of our legacy Golder colleagues with a long term involvement in projects allowing people to see the tangible legacy of their support. The people and teams who make this happen are amazing and are really doing good things for people in need. Happy 20th GTO!”

“Congratulations to the GTO on 20 years! The collective impact made in the first 20 years is something to really be proud of, and the difference that can be made over the next 20 is something we can all look forward to.”

"Congratulations on the GTO 20th anniversary. The GTO has proven over 20 years that when we as a group work together we can achieve amazing things. It is part of our responsibility to give back to the communities where we live and work and the GTO is an excellent vehicle for achieving this.  The European region, and specifically Italy is looking forward to growing our contributions to the GTO over the next 20 years!"

The GTO has been a proud part of our DNA for the past 20 years and congratulations to the team, staff and countless volunteers.  I have had the privilege of being a volunteer on two of the sites and visited 3 others.  This was a truly humbling experience being exposed to the contagious enthusiasm of the children as well as the dedicated selfless staff who work tirelessly to make a difference for the needs of those less fortunate.  The spiritual ethos, upliftment of the children, together with the commercial sustainability of the projects, has made the GTO a truly remarkable organisation.  We are all extremely proud of how you have made a difference to so many in need.

“Part of WSPs ESG strategy is to make a better future for the communities where we live and work. Our partnership with GTO is one of the ways we are demonstrating this commitment. We look forward to working together to make a big difference around the world. Congratulations on the GTO 20th anniversary!”

"The GTO is a feel-good story that continues to be written every day. As the firm has evolved, it too has evolved to meet the challenges of today. I congratulate the multiple teams that work together globally to make this charity a special place and deliver great projects that make a difference in the local communities where they work.  Happy 20th anniversary GTO!"

“There are few initiatives that can stand the test of time especially in a corporate environment but the GTO has proven to be one of these things. Over twenty years, it has withstood downturns in markets, financial crises, global pandemics and acquisitions – this speaks to the value the GTO brings to both supporters and the recipients. The reason behind the longevity is the staunch supporters of the GTO – employees, managers, colleagues, and friends that have understood when we act together we can accomplish wonders. This is the wonderful legacy of the last 20 years – Congratulations GTO!”

"GTO has helped so many orphaned children over the last 20 years, and continues to do so.  I am so proud of the great work done by numerous WSP staff that has been critical to this success.  Hundreds of staff have donated money, and many have donated significant amounts of personal time.  I am especially grateful for the sustained leadership of key WSP staff.  I hope GTO continues to be as successful and meaningful in the years to come as it has been over the last 20 years!"

“For 20 years the GTO has focused on providing support to vulnerable children in drastic need of help.  The GTO is a homegrown charity funded largely by us, the employees of WSP, so we can take great pride in the incredible positive impact the GTO has created for so many children.  Congratulations GTO on 20 years!”

In 2009, when I first heard about the GTO, I was inspired by the genuine care, and level of support and volunteerism from this organization to help children in need. I was raised in a home by two parents that were eager to help others and lived out the principal that if we are generous with our time and resources, we can make the world a better place. Congratulations GTO on your 20th anniversary! Thank you for your work and thank you to the many individuals leading and supporting the GTO. Well done!! 

Congratulations GTO on an impressive 20 years of finding the right places for efficient and sustainable charitable investment around the world. The success stories are consistent and amazing as is the positive community impact of the completed projects. The persistence and passion of the leadership and project volunteers ensures that GTO accomplishments will continue long into the future. Thank you to them and all GTO donors for everything you have achieved… and here’s to 20 more years.

When the GTO was first conceived by Jon Howcroft more than 20 years ago it was widely supported but few thought it would grow to be what it is today. The vision of the founders however prevailed and thanks to the generous contributions in cash and in kind from the WSP global team the GTO has made a huge difference to the lives of so many orphaned and vulnerable children across the world. It is now part of the WSP DNA that supports an initiative befitting a 21st century company and its employees that appreciate the importance of being a valued member of the community in which they operate. I am proud to have been a part of this initiative and am sure that those of you who have contributed also feel the same. My wish is for the GTO to grow in influence and continue to serve those in need in the principled way upon which it was founded.

Happy 20th Anniversary! The GTO is a wonderful example of sharing our heart and soul with those who are tested every day with challenges of life.  I’m very proud of the efforts and successes of our teams and all those who support this charity.  Well done! 

"Wow, 20 years already?  I would like to wish GTO a very happy anniversary.  Having been personally impacted by the orphaning of southern Africa and having participated with GTO in Zimbabwe some years ago, I can say the benefits from our support of GTO are real and tangible.  GTO’s thoughtful approach provides sustainable support to those who need it most. We should all feel proud of the meaningful projects that have been implemented and the improvements to daily life resulting from our support. Cheers to another 20 years to come!

“The GTO has achieved so much in its first 20 years and changed so many lives for the better in that time.  Opportunities have been created for many vulnerable children that never would have been possible without the money and time generously given by our people.  It all started with our colleagues in Africa wanting to do something meaningful to make a difference in the face of the unimaginable scale of impacts from the AIDS epidemic in South Africa.  It is an incredible achievement that the GTO has generated and sustained support from our people across the globe over such a long period of time and extended its work to now support vulnerable children in a number of countries around the world.  Sadly, the need for that support has not diminished over time.  I encourage everyone to consider giving to the GTO, not just now on the occasion of its 20th anniversary but on an ongoing basis.”