Joe Mckay
Founder
Joe grew up in the suburbs of NYC along with three sisters, and the way he sees it.... it’s safer traveling through the rugged territory of Africa and Central America than it was trying to be heard at home. In a way, his dream of creating an organization like Focal Point Aid really did begin in childhood when he started reading National Geographic Magazine. He didn't know the how or the when, but he knew he would eventually travel to places not on the usual tour route.
What he found was far more beautiful, and yet more disturbing than he ever imagined. Despite having owned and operated a successful company in Manhattan, Joe purposely chooses “the road less traveled” when exploring other countries. Where travel advisories warn of landmines, roadside bandits, and kidnappings, Joe feels compelled to press further. Who needs luxury hotels (or even indoor plumbing) when you can visit territories you won't see advertised in brochures or spoken about on the news? "Backpacking in different parts of the world never ceases to amaze me. You can't imagine what these people endure. In the midst of settings so breathtaking they bring tears to your eyes, the hunger, and the daily struggle to survive is appalling. The poverty rips your heart out, and the negligence of governments and lack of NGO's leaves you feeling you just can't turn your back on these people." Hence, his vision of Focal Point Aid.
After 20 years film editing for commercials, short films, documentaries, and countless PSA’s (public service announcements) Joe left the business in 2006 to make the dream happen. His keen business sense and awareness of the world around him will ensure the success of this organization, provided he can tell the stories of these people effectively. Armed only with a camera, Joe hopes the faces of the people he's met along the way will help us understand. He chooses to see what we don't want to think about, and Focal Point Aid challenges us to respond.
Founder
Joe grew up in the suburbs of NYC along with three sisters, and the way he sees it.... it’s safer traveling through the rugged territory of Africa and Central America than it was trying to be heard at home. In a way, his dream of creating an organization like Focal Point Aid really did begin in childhood when he started reading National Geographic Magazine. He didn't know the how or the when, but he knew he would eventually travel to places not on the usual tour route.
What he found was far more beautiful, and yet more disturbing than he ever imagined. Despite having owned and operated a successful company in Manhattan, Joe purposely chooses “the road less traveled” when exploring other countries. Where travel advisories warn of landmines, roadside bandits, and kidnappings, Joe feels compelled to press further. Who needs luxury hotels (or even indoor plumbing) when you can visit territories you won't see advertised in brochures or spoken about on the news? "Backpacking in different parts of the world never ceases to amaze me. You can't imagine what these people endure. In the midst of settings so breathtaking they bring tears to your eyes, the hunger, and the daily struggle to survive is appalling. The poverty rips your heart out, and the negligence of governments and lack of NGO's leaves you feeling you just can't turn your back on these people." Hence, his vision of Focal Point Aid.
After 20 years film editing for commercials, short films, documentaries, and countless PSA’s (public service announcements) Joe left the business in 2006 to make the dream happen. His keen business sense and awareness of the world around him will ensure the success of this organization, provided he can tell the stories of these people effectively. Armed only with a camera, Joe hopes the faces of the people he's met along the way will help us understand. He chooses to see what we don't want to think about, and Focal Point Aid challenges us to respond.
