As a new company created when two great organizations came together as one as the result of the merger of Sonus and GENBAND, we at Ribbon are more grateful than ever for the support of our team, our customers, our partners, and our communities.  Even as our industry continues to evolve at an unprecedented pace, even as new technologies continue to disrupt traditional communications networks and inspire new applications, we know that life will continue to change in all good ways when we can connect the world in new ways.

This year, our companies and now combined new company supported community efforts all over the world, including helping to rebuild networks in Puerto Rico following the devastating hurricane, building an Internet access network in Mexico for an orphanage there, and holding dozens of events during our giving back and volunteering days

At Ribbon we are fully committed to being strong members of our communities and helping to give back to those who may be our neighbors or who may live in the same cities, towns, states and countries as we do. All over the world we want to foster a culture of year-round compassion, but it is this time of year especially when giving to those who may be a little less fortunate is at the top of many of our minds.  So I thought it would be appropriate to highlight just a few of the charitable activities that Ribbon employees around the world are involved in.

Employees in our Toronto office gathered donations at their annual holiday party to benefit The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) in Toronto, Canada. Team members in our Plano, Texas office collected toys and donations that benefited the Children’s Medical Center of Plano. Ribbon employees in our Ottawa offices are contributing to their annual United Way Campaign. Since 2011, Ribbon Ottawa employees have donated nearly $150,000 to this and other worthy causes. Our Research Triangle Park (RTP) team members in North Carolina participated in their annual Angel Tree drive where they helped local kids’ Christmas wishes come true. RTP team members also worked with Durham Social Services to sponsor several local families in need, providing daily essentials and gifts for the holidays. Ribbon Galway employees are contributing to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul Giving Tree. There are countless other examples throughout the world that I can cite, but I think you get the picture.

Giving back to our communities isn’t a philosophy that is shared by our employee base. It cascades from our senior leadership team throughout the entire Ribbon organization. A great example is that our recently appointed CEO Fritz Hobbs sits on the board of UNICEF, an organization focused on ensuring children everywhere are protected, encouraged and supported, particularly those children facing challenges in countries struggling with conflict and post-conflict environments, in countries where clean water and safe food supplies are scarce, in countries where education and access to opportunities are limited, and even non-existent.

I am so grateful to contribute to and be a part of a company which has been built on values including business integrity, honesty, hard work, passion and most important - commitment to customers.

I am also thankful to be part of an organization committed to communities as well, and to a greater global good. #WeAreRibbon and we are fortunate to spend our days at work improving the way people communicate with each other, the way they receive healthcare, the way they are protected in safer cities.

It's very special to be part of the real time communications industry at this moment in history, and we look forward to working with all of you to find new ways to contribute to a better world, as part of what we do each day.

Warmest wishes for all holiday seasons; peace and prosperity for all in the new calendar year!