A Lasting Impact: A tribute to Frank Flaman
On 9 October 2023, Amnesty International lost a dedicated supporter, Frank Flaman. He was an accomplished businessman and a great philanthropist.
Frank started the Flaman Group of Companies in 1959. It evolved into a thriving enterprise and in 2005, Frank used his company’s profits to establish the Frank Flaman Foundation.
Over the years, the Foundation has donated millions to not-for-profit organizations to help create a brighter future for all.
Amnesty is one of the organizations that will continue to benefit from Frank’s generosity.
We spoke with his daughter, Crystal Flaman about Frank’s lasting legacy:
What was Frank like? What are your favorite memories of him?
Dad really focused on caring for the world. He served the global community in a way that is quite astounding and the legacy he’s created is nothing short of remarkable.
Dad was always kind of different, creative, and a big thinker for life. He had a great sense of humor, and he always played practical jokes. He never dwelled on the past and never worried about the future. He was always thinking about the present moment and the opportunities he could create. That’s what I’ll keep with me: to not worry about the past or the future and to create some fun in the present.
Frank was successful as a businessman and philanthropist. What inspired his generosity?
Dad was the youngest boy in a family of eight. I think he always felt a bit different and maybe alone. There was something in his heart that was yearning or longing. I think his philanthropy was a way to fill that space in his heart. He was always happy, joyful, and creative, but maybe a little something propelled him to want to fill that part of his soul.
Your dad has been supporting Amnesty since 1989. What motivated him to care about human rights?
Amnesty’s work was near and dear to his heart. He adored the work you’re doing. Dad is a proponent of supporting the minority, the person in need, or the person who no one else will support. He advocated for those who couldn’t advocate for themselves, which is really, I think, part of Amnesty’s vision.
How has your dad’s work shaped your perspective on the world?
He encouraged figuring out what your talents are and then using those talents to make the world a little bit better and brighter. He was also a big reader, always reading something. He said, “Stories sell, facts tell,” and so he was into sharing stories and was all about the connection. His desire to learn and curiosity was something else, and I keep that with me.
Is there anything you would like to share about Frank?
I think Dad would want to express his gratitude to the staff, customers, business partners, and vendors. Without them, there would be no profit for us to support charities.
He would also want to thank Amnesty for the great work that you’re doing, the Flaman Foundation is nothing without its partners that do great work. I think Dad would want to say thank you to Amnesty for the vision that you have. His vision was to make a profitable company, but his legacy has been to partner with organizations like Amnesty to really make a difference in the world.