Not many companies can say that each year their employees volunteer an average of more than 10,000 hours to community service, supporting causes that they dearly care about. But that’s one of the many things that separates GENBAND employees from others – their spirit of giving.  At GENBAND, we are fully committed to being responsible corporate citizens and supporting the communities in which we live and work.  This is part of our culture and a spirit permeates throughout our entire organization.

This year we will again donate more than 10,000 hours of community service in more than 20 countries benefiting more than 80 non-profit organizations, local schools, and charities among others that are near and dear to our hearts – no matter how big or small. We encourage year-round volunteerism and ask our employees to give back to organizations that mean most to them, whether it’s UNICEF, United Way or the United Universalist Association.

Our employees around the world continue to amaze me with their dedication and willingness to help those who are in need through their kindness and generosity. As we come to the close of another year and approach the holiday season I thought I would highlight some of the awesome activities GENBAND employees are actively engaged in.

Research Triangle Park (RTP), North Carolina and Ottawa, Canada – United Way

For years our Canada and RTP offices have made large contributions to their local United Way organizations. This year Ottawa employees raised more than $20,000 for their Annual United Way Campaign benefitting United Way Ottawa through payroll pledges, raffles, bake sales and cash donations. The team has really become creative in their fund raising efforts by using activities such as Pancake Breakfasts, Lunchtime Yoga, Texas Hold ‘Em Poker games and Ping Pong tournaments to get employees involved. 

Using payroll pledges, auctions and raffles our RTP team in North Carolina raised more than $31,000 in its annual campaign benefitting United Way of the Greater Triangle.  Each year the teams in RTP and Ottawa raise the bar higher and higher. Thanks to their generosity, families in both regions will be provided with basic necessities.

Galway, Ireland – Abalta School

The GENBAND team in Galway is always involved in great local projects, and this holiday season is no exception. They will be purchasing musical equipment for Abalta, a school located across the street from the Galway campus, which caters to those with autism and complex needs.

In early December Galway employees will conduct a fundraiser for this very worthwhile cause. The target is to raise EUR500, and the company will match employee contributions on a one-to-one basis.

Frisco/Plano, Texas – Frisco Family Services

For the second consecutive year employees in our Frisco and Plano, Texas offices will be making donations to Frisco Family Services – Holiday Store Program.  The Frisco Family Services Holiday Store offers local families in need, a place to shop for holiday gifts for each family member at no charge. Last year GENBAND employee donations help provide more than 800 individuals with gifts.

During the month of November employees will be donating new and unused winter clothing and accessories. GENBAND employees will also be volunteering at Frisco Family Services during the holiday season to help organize and distribute gifts.  In addition to these efforts, Frisco and Plano employees will also volunteer their time with Frisco Family Services for their Thanksgiving Meal Program.

Montreal, Canada - Sun Youth Organization

We have a small team of just over 10 employees in our Montreal office, but sometimes great things come in small packages. The Montreal team donated non-perishable foods and gently-used clothing to the Sun Youth Organization, a non-profit organization that provides families from the Greater Montreal area with a range of emergency services to ensure basic needs are met. Sun Youth also promotes physical, social and intellectual development through education, sports and recreation. The Montreal team came through in typical GENBAND fashion by donating loads of food and clothing that will help the Sun Youth Families throughout the holiday season.

Madrid, Spain – Caritas

Employees from our Madrid office in Spain are planning a “team-building” event to collect toys and non-perishable food items to donate to a well-known charity in Spain, Caritas.  Employees will collect toys from family members and friends and hold a team luncheon or dinner during which they will make any needed repairs to toys and donate them to Caritas. Food collection will be conducted under a country-wide campaign designed by Caritas called “Operacion Kilo” which encourages individuals to donate one kilo of food to benefit those in need. 

Mexico City, Mexico – “Un Dia Sin Hambre”

Our Mexico City team has set some rather high goals this holiday season to help the local homeless experience “un dia sin hambre” or “a day without hunger”.  For the second time this year, they are preparing meals for a homeless shelter in downtown Mexico City.  With 150 meals donated at their last event, they’ve upped the ante to double that figure and prepare 300 meals during their day of service this month.  

Australia – Clothing Donation to Local Non-profit

Our team in Australia is busy collecting gently-used clothing and goods that will be donated to a local charity in Sydney.

These are just a few of the many examples of how GENBAND team members around the world are giving back during the holidays.  Not only do we support these groups and many others during times of “higher-demand” but so many of them are organizations where GENBAND employees frequently volunteer during our annual Global Day of Service and all throughout the year.  These traditions are the very reasons why I am so proud to be associated with a team of such giving and caring individuals. I hope you enjoy the following video as much as I do. It’s just a glimpse of the many ways GENBAND continues to do its part to make a difference.