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No matter the industry, businesses have a responsibility to give back to their communities. Every town and city has incredible organizations working hard to make the world a better place, whether by helping underserved populations, improving the environment or creating a safer and healthier community for all. And the time, effort and resources provided by volunteers have a long-lasting impact.
To celebrate the communities that have supported us for 46 years, Mitel kicked off its 2nd annual Mitel Serves Day on June 7, with employees around the world volunteering at nearly 40 different charities. Learn more about many of these outstanding organizations below and discover how you can help.
Austin, Texas, United States – Central Texas Food Bank
Established in 1982, the Central Texas Food Bank is on the frontlines of hunger relief in Austin, serving 39 million pounds of food to families in need in a single year, with an average of 200,000 individuals helped every month.
Mitel employees volunteered their time by preparing and serving food, providing a total of 10,760 meals for central Texans in need.
Bangalore, India – Cheshire Homes
The non-profit organization Cheshire Homes provides safe housing for the disabled, terminally ill and elderly, establishing 23 homes for those populations across India since 1956.
Employees in Mitel’s Bangalore office spent their day at one of the homes, interacting with residents in need and donating various items.
Chicago, Illinois, United States – Race Against Gun Violence
Mitel’s Chicago office got an early start to Mitel Serves, with several employees participating in the Race Against Gun Violence through Strides of Peace on June 6.
The race raised more than $100,000 in funds for local non-profits that aim to end gun violence in their area through after-school programming and education, hoping to make a lasting impact on the youth of Chicago.
Kanata, Canada – Matthew House Furniture Bank & Christie Lake Kids
Mitel’s headquarters brought an enormous volunteer effort to Mitel Serves, with employees volunteering at some non-profits for the first time – such as the Matthew House Furniture Bank – and returning to ones from last year, like Christie Lake Kids.
The Matthew House Furniture Bank is run by the Matthew House in Ottawa, which operates a new and gently-used furniture bank and provides refugee services. Volunteers from Mitel spent the day carrying, assembling and cleaning furniture.
After great success volunteering last year, employees from the Kanata office returned to Christie Lake Kids. The non-profit offers free summer camp to children from economically challenged areas in Ottawa, as well as after-school programs throughout the year.
In addition to man power, Kanata employees donated dozens of bags of donated items.
Mesa, Arizona, United States – Eagle Pathways
One of the four Mesa charities aided by Mitel employees was Eagle Pathways. The organization empowers youth and young mothers who’ve experienced foster care or homelessness through a wide range of programs and services.
“Having a corporation support these types of non-profits not only allows us as employees to look beyond ourselves to serve,” says Abby Condon, Mitel Licensing Support Specialist, “but also helps those less fortunate realize they’re not alone and there are people willing to help. It's a win-win!”
Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States – Hunger Task Force
In Milwaukee, employees spent the morning packaging boxes of food for senior citizens in need with Hunger Task Force. The non-profit operates a free food bank, 208-acre farm, multiple advocacy programs and a grocery store on wheels, all aimed at helping Milwaukee’s hungry.
“It's easy to forget how much opportunity and fortune we have in our lives,” says Andy Ortlieb, Mitel Lead Software Engineer. “It's a humbling experience and an important duty to take a small piece of that fortune and offer it back to the community around us. I really appreciate Mitel's willingness to contribute labor to these causes, and I look forward to the next one.”
Prague, Czech Republic – Krkonoše National Park
Krkonoše National Park offers some of the most beautiful scenery in the Czech Republic, from the country’s highest mountain range to meadows filled with wildflowers.
To help preserve this national landmark, Mitel’s Prague office spent Mitel Serves Day collecting trash littering the moorlands and fields. Their efforts preserve not only the breath-taking sights of the park, but aid its environmental conservation as well.
Plano, Texas, United States – The Bridge and Cornerstone Ranch
In Plano, employees volunteered at multiple nonprofits, including The Bridge. Combating homelessness is at the core of The Bridge’s mission, although they offer services that extend to employment and health as well.
“The Bridge has Parkland Hospital, metro care services, veteran affairs services, case workers and more all on site, making them a unique one-stop shop for the homeless community,” comments Erica Wright, Mitel Demand Generation Manager. “The facility even has a kennel on site for those with pets.”
Kaley Warren, UX Designer at the Plano office, volunteered at Cornerstone Ranch, which aims to empower adults with intellectual and physical disabilities to live vibrant lives.
“Being encouraged to step away from our computers, turn off our phones and just spend time together serving our community,” she says, “gave me such a sense of pride for the company I work for. I am so thankful for Mitel for making this day happen each year."
Ringwood, England – Forestry Commission
Employees in Mitel’s Ringwood office got outside for Mitel Serves Day, volunteering at New Forest under the care of the forestry commission of England.
Conservation of the forest is a top priority for the commission. The efforts of volunteers like those from Mitel’s Ringwood office lead to improved bird habitats, the removal of invasive species, improved conservation and sustainability education.
Sydney, Australia – OzHarvest
OzHarvest is Australia’s leading food rescue organization, feeding those in need and preventing food waste through education.
Mitel Sydney employees aided OzHarvest’s food waste and sustainability education efforts, quite literally getting their hands dirty as they showed young participants planting and harvesting techniques.
From feeding the hungry to preserving nature’s beauty, so many organizations are doing incredible work around the world. All businesses must do their part by helping these organizations do what they do best—make a long-lasting difference for those who need it most.
Mitel Serves Day 2019 involved 21 Mitel offices, hundreds of employees and thousands of donated volunteer hours—and we’re already excited for next year.
