Marco Polo explains: “I have a dream: if a wonderfully strong organisation like Kiwanis with its 630,000 members worldwide helps to spread this message about our duty of setting a good example for the children of the world, if every one of these members buys just one CD and plays the song to as many of their friends as possible, then every individual club will receive 1.50 euros (approximately 2 dollars) per CD, and the Marco PoloHelpFoundation will match this amount for Kiwanis International. This could raise 1.89 million euros (approximately 2.6 million dollars) for Kiwanis worldwide.”

"One of the biggest lessons I have learned is that if we set our children an example, they will continue to follow it. It´s the only way forward if the people of the world are to help each other"  Sir Richard Branson (Screw it, let´s do it, Expanded Lessons in Life and Business, 2007)

In cooperation with Kiwanis UK, coordinated by Mr. Allan Lazarus, the song goes out to the world from the United Kingdom. The CD comes with full text, backing track and harmony grid so the song can be performed by anyone who would like to take it up - as did members of Kiwanis UK who performed it at the Kiwanis Interclub Convention in London in September 2007.

“Let’s put hope in their eyes” was recorded at the studios of the Royal College of Music in London. The project was coordinated by Norbert Meyn, a young professor at the RCM and Director of Lieder Theatre London, and brought together the London Kiwanis singers (assembled especially for this production, including Jamaican entertainer Count Prince Miller, and conducted by Rachel Lyske), the award winning Fulham Prep Chamber Choir (BBC Radio 3 childrens choir of the year 2006), and producers Andrew Bratt and Joe Lyske, with a line-up of first-rate London musicians including Al Cherry (guitar), Rob Mullarkey (bass), and accompanist for ITV’s X Factor, Simon Colam (piano). The song was arranged by Joe Lyske.

“Let’s put hope in their eyes” was inspired by the guiding principles of Kiwanis, the international organisation devoted to serving the children of the world, and of which Marco Polo is himself an active member.

Kiwanis Version

2007

“Let's do it for the kids” is the brainchild of the Austrian pop artist Marco Polo. Now being given reality by Marco Polo and his friends, the initiative aims to support young people and to promote high ethical  standards among adults to set a positive example for the children of the world.

The Marco Polo Help Foundation is beginning its work with the present song production. The purpose of the Foundation is to organise international humanitarian activities that will further understanding and tolerance between nations, support children in need and promote compassion and education worldwide.

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