TRIBUTE TO GEORGE MCDONALD

Today we mourn the loss of a homeless advocate, social entrepreneur, a mayor candidate for the state of New York, and the founder and president of the Doe Fund for 35 years, George McDonald. 

George was a patriot that wanted the American dream to be achievable for everyone, and he worked tirelessly every single day to make this happen. He was a firm believer in the sayings, “other people’s miseries are your miseries” and “to those that much is given, much is expected.” 

Early on in his professional career, he became a successful garment industry executive, but he could not overlook the homeless people he saw on every street corner and subway in New York City. So, George left his comfortable and lucrative career, and spent hundreds of nights handing out the essentials to the homeless population, but upon conversing with them, realized that their number one need was a job. 

Thus, the Doe Fund was born in 1985, with the goals of giving people the tools to “break the cycles of poverty, homelessness, addiction, and recidivism” (The Doe Fund). Throughout this journey, George formed relationships with New York’s political leaders to further his mission. Today, the Doe Fund is a $65 million nonprofit that employs more than 500 people, over 40% of whom are formerly homeless and incarcerated graduates of the Doe Fund program. Furthermore, the Doe Fund has generated $1 billion in revenue, $101 million in taxes paid by employees, and over $250 million in earned income to program participants. 

George dedicated his life to serving others and inspired the creation and launch of ShareLove.Fund in countless ways. He even forged our partnership with the Women’s Prison at Rikers Island.

We love to consider ShareLove.Fund the sister organization of the Doe Fund. George will be greatly missed. Rest in peace, and thank you for helping us and countless others.