Friday, November 21, 2008

Tech Citizenship

Microsoft adds to Red Sox charities

By Mass High Tech Staff

A company as massive as Microsoft Corp. certainly has its hands in many types of charitable activities and supports a range of nonprofits with funds, product donations and volunteerism. But it does have one overarching theme — training and workforce development, according to Chris Sakalosky, general manager of Microsoft Dynamics East Region.

That doesn’t mean the software giant tries to steer its employees in that direction when it comes to giving, however.

“While the primary focus of our community involvement is related to workforce development efforts, giving is a personal choice,” Sakalosky said. “Microsoft encourages all employees to participate in philanthropic activities and community organizations that align to their passions.”

One of those passions for many New England-based Microsoft employees — Sakalosky included — is the Boston Red Sox, and Microsoft is committed to supporting its charitable efforts.

“There are several programs I am passionate about,” Sakalosky said. “One, because I’m a Red Sox fan, is “Doubles for Dimock” in which we partner with the Red Sox Foundation and the Dimock Community Health Center, Roxbury’s largest and oldest social service agency. Whenever a Red Sox player hits a double at Fenway, we make a donation to Dimock.”

Added up, it reflects Microsoft’s basic believe in doing good, which comes straight from the top, as recently resigned chairman Bill Gates founded the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to put some of his vast fortune to use in charitable works.

Citizenship Facts

Microsoft Corp.

Total cash contributions in New England in 2007: $695,000 (in MA)

Number of volunteer hours in New England in 2007: 4,944 (in MA)

In-kind contributions of equipment and services in New England in 2007: $7,670,000 (in MA)

Principal recipients of charitable activities in 2007: Bunker Hill Community College; Morgan Memorial Goodwill Industries; YMCA Training Inc.; Citizen Schools; Year Up; Easterseals; Timothy Smith Network.

Interesting philanthropic activities: Day of Caring occurs once a year to support volunteerism. This year in August, over 150 Microsoft employees volunteered at various Timothy Smith Network centers in Roxbury. Employees are also trained on Internet safety and many speak at their local schools and community organizations to train parents and children/teens on Internet safety.