Orphaned tsunami survivors built a Wandsworth based, global social enterprise

There’s still time to grab a place on the Meet the Forkans event being held as part of next week’s Wandsworth Enterprise week – but hurry as tickets are selling fast.

Brothers Rob & Paul Forkan are orphaned tsunami survivors who went on to build a Wandsworth based, global social enterprise.

The brothers founded footwear brand Gandys and the Orphans for Orphans movement after surviving the 2004 Tsunami which claimed the life of both their parents. They wanted to create a social enterprise in which they design footwear that enables them to fund the building of campuses that can deliver medication, nutrition and education to fellow orphans and deprived children.

Ambassadors for the brand include Sir Richard Branson and Prince Harry, who support the social mission of the business.

At the February 3 event at Wandsworth Cineworld the brothers will reveal how you can create a successful social enterprise even under the most adverse circumstances. The event is free, but attendees will be asked for a donation which will go towards the brothers’ charity.

Signed copies of their book Tsunami Kids: Our Journey from Survival to Success and a range of flip flops will be on sale on the night.

There are also a few tickets left for the Start Up Wandsworth Business Event on February 2 and the Wandsworth Business Forum on February 5.

Start-up Wandsworth will help you kick-start and grow your business and offers free workshops, seminars, expert advice and networking.

Wandsworth Business Forum is for start-ups and small businesses. The keynote speaker is bestselling author Peter Fisk, who has just published a new book Gamechangers about the world’s 100 most disruptive innovators, and there will be a complimentary buffet and drinks and a chance to network.

January 28, 2015