Spencer Lodge was so inspired by his next guest after spending a week with him in Rwanda that he just had to have him on the show. Reza Marvasti is the Founder and CEO of The Power of Play – an NGO that builds sustainable playgrounds for children in underprivileged communities worldwide. Spencer invited Reza to the YouTube channel to discuss his journey.
It was a summer evening in 2019, and I’m just chilling at a friend’s party. Then bam, I bump into Reza, the founder of The Power of Play. Next thing you know, I’m knee-deep in the world of TPOP as a digital marketer. But, it didn’t stop there. I got so hooked on their mission for kids, that I took a giant leap and became the treasurer on the board. I was rocking the Treasurer hat for two years, handling all sorts of stuff.
Now, the real kicker? In 2023, I helped disassemble a playground in Kitsilano and hauled it to the First Nation of Lytton. Talk about an adventure! We put that playground back together, and it was like magic. Unforgettable doesn’t even cover it. The Power of Play, it’s not just a name; it’s a whole vibe, and I live for it!
Flashback to December 2023, Reza and I went to Tanzania to build the biggest playground TPOP has ever built! We crafted over 20 elements for 1,000 Maasai children in a village near Makayuni. I’m telling you, it was total heaven! Nature, field work, playing football with local volunteers, and sunset games with the kids each day. It was a beautiful adventure. The playground’s grand opening was a pure roller coaster of emotions. Excitement and pride, but also, a bittersweet note knowing tomorrow meant saying goodbye to those playful angels.
Fast forward to now, the journey keeps getting better. We’re teaming up with Emily Carr University on a project for kids’ mental health — creating an interactive object! TPOP isn’t just about play; it’s a world of experiences. To all you potential donors and volunteers, this is not just a pitch, it’s my life-changing adventure, and I’m throwing an open invitation for you to join the ride! Trust me, there’s nowhere else you’d want to be. Let’s keep the TPOP magic rolling!
In our collective efforts, we possess the ability to transform the lives of future generations, building a brighter future, one playground at a time.
By contributing a mere $12, you can make a lasting impact at https://thepowerofplay.ca/donate/. Your generous donations empower children to embrace the joy of childhood, allowing them to simply be kids. Join us in making a difference!
“Reza Marvasti: Unlocking The Power Of Play For A Better Future.”
Podcast with Spencer Lodge & CEO Reza Marvasti__Searching for the meaning of life? This NGO may have found an answer.
Feeling like being inspired today? PODCAST ALERT A Must listen!
Spencer Lodge hosted The Power of Play’s CEO and founder, Reza Marvasti, on The Spencer Lodge Podcast. Reza shared how The Power of Play started, its work, and what inspired Reza’s journey to “Let kids be kids.”
Reza Marvasti is the Founder and CEO of The Power of Play, an NGO that builds sustainable playgrounds for children in underprivileged communities.
Reza is a former extreme athlete who, after a life-changing event, went on a journey of self-discovery.⠀⠀⠀⠀
This led him to discover his life’s purpose of creating safe spaces for children who have experienced extreme hardship. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
By doing this, kids rediscover childhood, process trauma, and make sense of the world through creativity and play.
In Spencer’s latest episode on the podcast, he talks with Reza about:
His difficult childhood
Finding the Meaning of Life
How The Power of Play operates and builds playgrounds
Spencer and his team came to Rwanda last month to help us build a playground. The time spent and getting to know Spencer was nothing short of wonderful. Huge THANK YOU to him and his team for supporting us on our mission to support every child’s right to learn and develop through the power of play.
Reza’s story and foundation are truly inspirational and I know his story will change your outlook on life.
“The Power of Play and how a thrill-seeking Canadian entrepreneur became a tireless benefactor of children Africa and around the world”- written by Tom Bussen
Thank you, Tom, for this wonderful write up in Readers Digest Canada of TPOP’s Founder & CEO Reza Marvasti and the journey of how our wonderful organization came to be!
Danielle Riberio from Great.com interviewed The Power Of Play’s CEO and Founder, Reza Marvasti, as part of their ‘Great.com Talks With…‘ podcast. This series is an antidote to negative news stories that aims to shed light on organizations and experts whose work is making a positive impact on the world.
A playground is a relatively safe environment where kids can express themselves. You see children playing different games, from free play games to imaginary play games, pretend play, and active play. Playgrounds are essential for early childhood education and development. That’s why in this episode, Danielle spoke with Reza.
“We are a nonprofit organization that builds outdoor play areas.” Reza says that children explore the world through play. Kindergarten children play peek-a-boo to learn about the environment. But not just that, children learn about the world through play.
You can also watch the interview on The Power of Play Youtube here.
Building Together Through The Power Of Play
Our organization encourages playful learning through our playgrounds. It is a form of escapism that many young children need to cope with stress and trauma. If an adult needs therapy to cope with harmful effects, children need creative play, outdoor play, free play, and other forms to deal with the same effects.
Great.com is an organization aimed at solving the world’s most dire problem — global climate change. Starting in New Jersey, their mission is to take money from an otherwise harmful and greedy industry (online casinos) and move it towards a positive and good cause (solving the climate crisis). In addition to directly donating 100% of the revenue they earn in the casino industry, they also launch and manage fundraising campaigns to persuade casino entrepreneurs to donate. So far, they’ve generated over $2 million to climate research through their own donations and proceeds from their fundraising initiatives.
Our youngest volunteer, Maria, joined The Power of Play (TPOP) when she was only 19 years old. After graduating high school, Maria decided she needed to explore the world, get to know herself and the meaning of her life before choosing a career or a specific university program in Germany. Originally, her plan was to go to South America to learn Spanish while volunteering there. However, COVID-19 decided otherwise, and Maria ended up in Rwanda for nine months. There, she met Reza, the founder of TPOP, in December 2020. He not only included her in the building of one of the first children’s playgrounds in Kerezo, Mubuga, Nyamagana and Nyarutovu, Rwanda, but also introduced her to many friends he had already made there. From the second day in Rwanda, Maria had a new family of people who were making a difference in the lives of the local children. She instantly fell in love with the people of Rwanda and The Power of Play.
Over the next nine months, Maria learned how to use power tools, help design a playground, build a swing, manage an entire playground build, and how to promote TPOP on social media. She gained invaluable skills as a project manager, carpenter, painter, community organizer, and social media manager. This experience guided Maria to get to know herself further, to understand what she enjoys, and what she truly wants in life. Being hands on, on the ground, and impacting children is a lasting joy and a passion that will help guide her in the future years to come. While volunteering for TPOP, Maria learned to enjoy being in the moment. She also discovered that she enjoys working with children and watching them play. Her enthusiasm for Rwanda and The Power of Play’s projects infected her entire family. In July of 2021, they joined her in Mukingo, Rwanda, including her younger brother Tomek to help build The Power of Play’s fifth playground. Tom really enjoyed helping with the playground build, the same way Maria’s parents enjoyed supporting the people of Mukingo with clothes and medical assistance. Maria did not only develop experience in building and managing playgrounds for TPOP, but she also started a Mental Health Coaching online education program while in Rwanda. Her own personal development while working for TPOP inspired her to learn more about mental health. Through this online program, Maria learned how to deal with difficult life situations and how to help others to do the same. The 19-year-old teenager who left for Rwanda has become a mature young lady that has developed a passion for helping others. She has acquired greater cultural sensitivity, become more adept at intercultural communication,learned about community development and outreach, and has learned to engage with diverse populations and project beneficiaries, thanks to volunteering for TPOP for nine months Why should YOU become a volunteer for TPOP? Maybe you are ready to take part in a project that makes a difference in children’s lives. Maybe you want to experience different cultures and other people’s lives. Or maybe you want to grow personally, learn new skills and see purpose in your daily life. Whatever stage of life you are in right now, I can promise you that it can be as beautiful and fulfilling as Maria’s life has become through volunteering with The Power of Play.
“I was jumping from one thing to another when it comes to school and jobs, but I was never fulfilled. I started something, became proficient at it, and then switched. I just couldn’t find that one thing that would make me feel truly alive. I’ve always been drawn to adventure and adrenaline sports, so I became an adrenaline junkie…”
At the age of 19, Reza relocated to Canada. He had already spent a year studying electronics at a university in Iran. However, upon arriving in Vancouver, he veered away from that path. He dabbled in business management for a while, then shifted to industrial design, automotive technology, and later construction management. Despite his pursuits, he couldn’t discover the school or job that would bring him genuine fulfillment.
Concern began to cloud Reza’s family’s minds. They suggested he choose one path and commit to it for a longer period of time. Reza attempted to heed their advice, immersing himself in one pursuit, becoming proficient, but still feeling that it wasn’t the “thing” for him. And so, the search persisted, with years passing by and various professions being explored.
As time went on, Reza’s worries grew. He felt as though he was squandering valuable time, constantly shifting between different jobs and educational paths without making any substantial progress. Turning 30 only amplified his concerns, as he remained uncertain about a long-term career. And then, he passed 30, feeling disenchanted with his life.
In an attempt to find solace and excitement amidst his dissatisfaction with his professional life, Reza sought thrills through adventurous sports. Ice climbing, snowmobiling, speed flying (a blend of paragliding and base jumping)—he embraced them all. However, these adrenaline-fueled endeavors were not without their dangers. Reza had several near-death experiences during his pursuits, with one incident involving his friend Kyle, a speed-flying icon of that time. Reza borrowed a wing from Kyle for a jump near the city of Hope, only to encounter a malfunction that caused him to plummet from the sky. Though battered, bruised, and scraped by trees, he miraculously survived. Tragically, Kyle attempted a similar jump two days later but did not make it. A week after the accident, Kyle’s daughter came into the world.
This harrowing experience served as a profound wake-up call for Reza. It compelled him to reflect on the countless opportunities life had presented him. There had to be a greater purpose, a deeper meaning. He realized that he had been squandering his life, lacking a sense of purpose. In search of clarity, Reza embarked on a journey to the Amazon forest, seeking solitude and meditation to listen to his inner calling and find his true purpose.
During his travels, Reza found himself passing through La Paz, where he had a transformative revelation. Witnessing children living and working on the streets, he discerned a significant absence in their lives—play. The carefree enjoyment of childhood, the essence that had helped him cope with the war experiences in Iran, was missing from their existence.
At that moment, Reza’s purpose became clear. He recognized that he had a role to play in restoring joy and playfulness to the lives of these children. Inspired by his own resilience and the healing power of play, he knew it was his calling to make a difference. The journey to adulthood had brought him to this pivotal realization, and he was ready to embark on a new chapter dedicated to serving those in need.
“Mom, why are they killing those animals in Africa? How can I help them and protect them?” a young Reza asked, his curiosity and compassion shining through. His mother’s response laid the foundation for his future path: “When you grow up, Reza, you can help them. You can go to Africa or anywhere in the world and protect them…”
Our lives are shaped by the environment we grow up in. For little Reza, the influence of his grandmother and mother, both passionate humanitarians, played a pivotal role in shaping the person he is today.
Reza’s grandmother, a descendant of the royal family, enjoyed a life of privilege. However, tragedy struck when she became a widow at the age of 38, left to care for her four children alone. Faced with the realities of being a single mother, she understood the hardships that life can bring. Determined to make a difference, she utilized her wealth to help those in greatest need. She built hospitals, schools, and learning centers for individuals with disabilities. Now, at the age of 93, she lives modestly, having given away all her wealth. Yet, many of those she empowered and assisted continue to visit her home every day, providing care and companionship.
Growing up in such a compassionate environment, Reza’s mother embraced the spirit of humanitarianism. She became his mentor and role model, nurturing his understanding that helping others is the most fulfilling vocation on this planet. During long summer evenings, as the warm breeze rustled the air, Reza and his mother engaged in profound discussions about refugees and orphans in Africa. She would always remind him, “When you grow up, Reza, you can explore the world and make a difference. You will discover that this is the calling that will make your heart sing and your soul truly fulfilled.“
Little Reza
Charity: The Power of Play
As Reza grew older, he entertained various ideas about his future career. At one point, he dreamt of becoming a pilot, while later he was captivated by the idea of racing cars. Like any child, his aspirations revolved around exciting professions linked to his current interests. Deep down, however, he always knew that his purpose would be connected to assisting those in dire need.
Now, as an adult, Reza cherishes the valuable lessons instilled in him during his upbringing. Inspired by his grandmother’s selflessness and his mother’s guidance, he embarked on a path of humanitarianism. The desire to make a positive impact on the lives of those who require it most fuels his drive. Reza understands that by lending a helping hand, he can bring hope and create meaningful change in the world. Guided by the power of empathy and the belief that every act of kindness counts, Reza aspires to be an impact for good. The young boy who pondered the fate of animals in Africa has grown into a compassionate advocate, ready to tackle the challenges that lie ahead and uplift those who need it most.
Play it forward
