Neus Flores
In today’s fast-paced world, stories of individuals abandoning the conventional paths of success to pursue purpose-driven missions stand out.
One such story is that of Chris Lomas, founder and CEO of Hope4, a global #humanitarian initiative currently making waves across Eastern Europe and Southern Africa.
While recent interviews have shared glimpses into this journey, we wish to understand the heart behind the #mission and the facts involved.
Q: What were your previous activities before deciding to focus on your #passion, not your career?
A: I spent many years in the business world — building companies, advising leaders, and pursuing #success as most people understand it. It taught me a lot about strategy, leadership, and growth. But over time, I started to feel a disconnect. I realised that #profit without purpose wasn’t enough.
The turning point wasn’t just personal — it was #human. I saw first-hand the crippling impact of poverty and exploitation, and I knew I couldn’t just build businesses while people around me were suffering.
Q: Why did you decide to help other people in the first place?
A: Because I know what it feels like to have very little. I grew up with instability, financial stress, and the constant pressure of not having enough. That leaves a mark.
When I see children going to school with plastic carrier bags instead of backpacks, or families torn apart by #trafficking, it’s not just sympathy I feel — it’s #obligation. To me, this work isn’t charity. It’s #justice. It’s about restoring #dignity and opportunity to people who’ve had it mostly stolen from them.
Q: What is the driving #force that keeps you helping others over time?
A: The stories of #transformation. You never forget the first time a mother told you she could finally feed her children without skipping meals herself, or the smile of a child who now sleeps safely at night.
But more than emotion, it’s the belief that this work leads to systemic change. We’re not just handing out aid — we’re shifting paradigms. We help people move from dependency to dignity, from surviving to #thriving. That’s what keeps me going, the fact that one act of kindness can deeply change the trajectory of another life.
Q: Do you see yourself doing anything different in the future?
A: I don’t see myself stepping away from the #mission, but I do see Hope4 evolving. I believe the future of humanitarian work lies in the #fusion of compassion and innovation — using tech, partnerships, and social enterprise to scale impact.
My role may shift — perhaps more focused on vision and innovation than day-to-day operations — but the purpose remains the same: creating long-term, #generational change. My role may change over time, but my purpose won’t.
Q: In terms of #numbers, how many people have your projects impacted so far?
A: Since launching Hope4, we’ve impacted hundreds of thousands of lives across Moldova, Ukraine, and now South Africa. But let me give you a clearer picture:
– Over 4 million meals distributed
– More than 12,000 children helped into education
– Around 3,000 survivors of trafficking supported
– Over 500 jobs created through enterprise
– Thousands more given access to clothing, medical care, and psychosocial support
Every single one of those #numbers represents a #person — with a name, a story, and a future worth fighting for. That’s what truly matters.
Q: How can helping people #contribute to your cause?
A: When people support Hope4, they’re not just donating — they’re #investing in someone’s future. Every act of support, whether it’s financial, time-based, or even just sharing our story, contributes directly to real-world #impact.
Helping people isn’t just the by-product of our cause, it IS the real cause of our #existence.
Q: Do you think #education needs to change in the new technological era?
A: Absolutely. Education must go #beyond test scores and job prep. In this digital age, we need to teach adaptability, creativity, and resilience. More importantly, access to tech needs to be equal. Without #inclusivity, it becomes a #divider. We must make sure education reaches #everyone, not just those with privilege or connectivity.
Education should not only prepare young people for jobs that exist today, but also for the #opportunities of tomorrow.
Q: What would you say to anyone not collaborating to our society’s improvement?
A: I’d say: you’re missing out. Truly. There’s a kind of joy that money can´t buy when you find a purpose and #fulfilment that only comes from contributing to something #bigger than yourself.
As humans, we’re not here just to consume — we’re here to contribute positively to #humanity. When you choose to step into someone else’s story, even for a moment, you discover your own purpose more clearly.
Q: Do you believe your work is #inspiring new generations?
A: I hope so — that’s one of the greatest joys. Seeing young people step up to volunteer, create, and lead change because they’ve seen what’s possible… it’s #incredible.
If my story shows anything, it’s this: you don’t need to be extraordinary to make a difference. You just need to be #willing to make a change.
Q: What are your future projects?
A: We’re building Hope4 into a #global movement. In South Africa, we’re launching Hope4 Jobs, a program focused on sustainable employment to fight poverty and prevent #trafficking. In Moldova and Ukraine, we continue to support families displaced by war and instability.
We’re also preparing to launch Hope4 Hub — a digital platform disposed to connecting businesses and individuals directly to impact in real time. The future is #bold, and honestly, we’re just getting started.
Chris Lomas started Hope4 as a response to injustice, and it has become a global mission for everyone involved — one that blends compassion with innovation, and statistics with stories.
As we step into a future full of uncertainty, his work reminds us that #purpose still matters. And so does #hope.
Article written and published by intercultural communicator Neus Flores for the Washington Morning online News.
To read more cutural articles by Neus Flores please click here.
