The idea for ThanksTo came about from reading a short story about the impact of one teacher on a generation of young lads growing up in the Baltimore projects. It occurred to us that apart from the exam results achieved by students there is little way of acknowledging the impact a really great teacher can have on young people and their future. Further still most people we've asked have never gone back and thanked a teacher that they readily acknowledge as being a major influence on them and their achievements. What a shame that teacher never gets to hear of this and worse still never gets the full recognition they deserve.

Of course this doesn't only apply to teachers but to all those great people who make life changing or life influencing contributions to us, our families, friends and our broader community.

Wouldn't it be great if there was one place you could go to find and thank those people quickly and easily. Imagine how that teacher, nurse or business mentor would feel being thanked publicly for what they have done.

Then imagine what happens when we persuade lots of other people to do the same. All those truly remarkable people will be identified through this site for being outstanding in what they do and recognised for their valuable contribution.

Against a backdrop of rather depressing headlines about recession, war and growing violence wouldn't it be nice to hear some good news stories? Something to lift the spirits...

Our mission is to make a dramatic difference in our communities by encouraging everyone to thank those that make our lives better. You may want to thank someone who has changed (or even saved) your life or someone who has influenced your life in a positive way.

But every day people do things that should be encouraged and sending a quick thank you message via ThanksTo is a great way to do this. Thank the bus driver who actually stops and reopens the door to the bus when you're running to catch it; the babysitter who steps in again and again at short notice to look after the kids or the friend who organises that group holiday. The examples are endless...

By thanking someone you can guarantee a smile, by helping us champion those that truly deserve public recognition we'll change the definition of high net worth. With all that's happened, a bright future is clearly more dependent on those people who give the most to others so let's give credit where credit is really due with a simple 'thank you'

We hope you'll join us in making a real difference.