The global pandemic has changed life for everyone, from how we work, to how we live and communicate with one another. But for the heroes on the frontlines supporting the needs of those most impacted, life has especially changed. Now more than ever, our collective support is needed. This is why this #GivingTuesdayNow, we are focused on meeting the needs resulting from COVID-19.
As a company, we have prioritized our COVID-19 efforts where we can make the greatest positive impact to the immediate health, safety and sustainability of our communities and the frontline organizations working to treat and contain the virus around the world. We are committed to making this difference through our technology, our reach, our donations, and the remarkable efforts of our 150,000 team members.
And it is the efforts of these team members that I want to recognize and celebrate this GivingTuesdayNow.
3D printing for protection
With an increased demand for personal protection equipment (PPE) to support healthcare workers, our teams around the globe have leveraged our 3D printing facilities to produce masks and visors.
In Austin, Texas, a group of engineers is working with Dell Medical and teaming with Austin Public Health to distribute visors to first responders in the Austin area.
With the help of our True Ability Employee Resource Group (ERG), the team quickly scaled the development of more visors through injection molding, with plans to deliver over 13,000 visors this week. We’re seeing similar grassroots efforts led by our team members around the world – from France, to Ireland, to Brazil.
Funding food for those in need
Recognizing the impact of COVID-19 on vulnerable populations, our global team is working to address food shortages within their communities.
One of our team members in India and his wife have been volunteering their time to feed those with limited means to support themselves. He started by driving around the city distributing food and provisions and has expanded to organizing over 500 meals per day and also providing shelter to 100 individuals in need.
In Minnesota, our team members started a fundraiser to help feed families in need and children who rely on school lunches for one of their primary meals. They raised more than $25,000 (including funds provided by our ongoing Dell match program) for a local food bank, helping to feed thousands of people in the community.
Lending digital skills to enable continued service
With many of our non-profit partners needing to adapt quickly to a remote work environment, our team members have stepped up to provide technology expertise and to enable our partners to continue serving their communities.
Barnardos Ireland is one of our strategic non-profit partners, with a mission to transform the lives of children affected by traumatic or adverse experiences. When stay-at-home measures were activated, Barnardos needed to adapt their services to continue support for the children and families who depend on them. In addition to creating a fundraiser to provide critical supplies, experienced work-from-home volunteers from our Dell’s Ireland team are lending their expertise in remotely managing teams, setting-up conference calls, enabling security best practices, communicating with donors, and supporting call center activation and coaching. These efforts are helping over 400 Barnardos team members leverage digital capabilities to better serve their constituents.
In this together, for those who need us
The spirit of Giving Tuesday – generosity that has the power to unite and heal communities in good times and bad – is one I’m so proud to say our entire Dell Technologies family has always embraced.
The sense of optimism and pride our team members feel by being able to contribute is core to who we are as a company. Fueled by our purpose of driving human progress, we will continue to be a champion for those who need it most as we get through this, together.
