Why Tim Blair runs towards the challenge of nurturing generation next
2025-06-02
In a world run by profit margins and liquid assets, Tim Blair believes one precious resource is the most valuable of all.
Children.
A member of The Kids’ Cancer Project’s board, Blair founded the Run for Kids Foundation in 1994 after being diagnosed with epilepsy.
A self-proclaimed fitness freak, Blair’s altruistic nature has taken him from his island home of Tasmania right around the world to the Himalayas of Nepal – embarking on a journey to raise money for children in need on the shoelace express.
While he has his own kids, Tim is determined to help all children realise their potential with his experiences playing a profound role in shaping his view of the world.
The countless hours he’s spent inspiring kids to try their hand at running and speaking with community groups has shown him just how powerful encouragement and opportunity can be, and its continued necessity in all walks of life.
“Adults, and even children themselves, too often underestimate children and what they are capable of,” he says. “They’re the most valuable asset this world has.
“We should all want the best for every child – that’s not about being an elite sportsperson or businessperson, but about them being happy.
“And if we’re, as adults, not prepared to do the right thing by them, then we’re failing.”
For Tim, that desire to make a difference was grounded in volunteering – believing the selflessness of giving back, even at an expense of time, money or energy, is the key to understanding your place in the world and the meaning within it.
It’s a pivotal part of corporate social responsibility policies too, with the time spent nurturing “generation next” proving to be one of the best investments there is.
The sense of satisfaction from helping another, be that adult or child, brought Tim something seldom felt within the corporate sector.
It’s something he’s run after his whole life.
“So many people believe that you’ve got to be something or someone to do what we do in helping others, but you don’t. The Kids’ Cancer Project’s founder Col Reynolds was a bus driver. I’m just a bloke who owned a small business and decided to go for a run.