Helping the Most Vulnerable?

Helping the Most Vulnerable?

As most of you know from my previous article, coach Wunder is a badge I wear with honor and pride. It touches every aspect of my life, even in the way I show up in service to others and why I choose to volunteer in the first place. Coaching the next generation is a lot like being a parent – you want what’s best for their overall wellbeing, and in doing so, you teach them to do better and maybe even be better to replace you one day. Because lord knows we can’t go forever, and each of us at some point will want or need to take an extended break. 

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This passing of the torch is perhaps one of the greatest legacies you can leave behind and one of the reasons I am so passionate about being a fundraiser for the Covenant House. I want to leave behind a better world filled with even more opportunities and possibilities for people. For those not familiar with this non-profit, it’s been helping homeless and trafficked youth since 1972 by feeding, clothing, and housing them. Some of you may have even participated in one of their fundraisers, “Sleep Out America.” Where you get to feel what it’s like for one night to sleep outside, literally putting yourself into their shoes. Giving a second chance to the most vulnerable youth through mentoring, guidance, and resources; inspires them to pass on the same kindness & compassion to someone else. Seeing life through these kids humbles you in the most subtle but profound way that paints a clear image of what matters in life. 

It's also why I am proud to say I work at a company like Cisco who pledges to end homelessness and poverty in Santa Clara County by donating $50 million to Destination: Home over the next five years. Destination: Home is a non-profit that has helped 97% of families remain housed. Together, Destination: Home and Cisco have provided prevention assistance to over 500 households in Silicon Valley alone. Participating and amplifying this crucial endeavor through the Covenant House allows me to contribute to a unifying company-wide cause which is needed now more than ever. 

But these are just two of many opportunities that I have been exposed to at Cisco over the years. This culture of giving back has been at the heart of the company since its inception, which is why hearing the many stories of colleagues doing such incredible and creative things to champion a cause, raise money, and volunteer is so encouraging. I know many of you are already passionate about organizations and active in your church, children’s schools, or other charities in your local community. It is so important we keep our perspective on the many blessings we have and give our time, money, and skills to others who need help. We can all make a difference - even a smile can change a life.      

As April begins and we celebrate National Volunteer Month, I'd like to know: with so many great causes out there, what is yours? 

Scott Von Lanken

Worldwide Sales Leader - Identity Services Engine (ISE) - Enterprise Networking and Security at Cisco

3 年

Thanks John. I too, am touched to serve others, and homelessness is near and dear to my family, which is why I support the Los Angeles Mission, https://losangelesmission.org The Los Angeles Mission exists on skid row in downtown L.A. The Los Angeles Mission exists to provide help, hope and opportunity to men, women and children in need. Their vision is to see individuals and families set free from addictions and homelessness, transformed by God to become physically and spiritually healthy.

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Cathy Ciprian

Senior Director | Strategy & Planning | IT Solutions | GTM Transformation | Change Management

3 年

Igniting hope and restoring lives at CityTeam.

Rachael Chambers, CSM (she/her/hers)

Director, Global Employee Relations Strategy & Infrastructure

3 年

Thank you being an amazing champion, John.

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Gabby McGee Ward

Channel | Community Leader

3 年

Thanks for sharing this John. I will continue to support the Children's Dream Fund in April and beyond. They are an amazing Florida-based organization that fulfills dreams for children suffering with severe illness. I also helped register them for Cisco Bright Funds so all of your donations and volunteer hours will be matched by Cisco. Even across the pond in Spain, I often ask them to send me their current dream list so I can still support these children no matter where I am. As a daily practice of giving, I also try to keep some cash on me at all times. There are not many homeless individuals here but when I do see one, I feel a lot of personal joy by surprising them with a nice donation or a warm meal. Sadly, one of my sisters also lives on the streets and I hope that if someone sees her, they too would offer a helping hand.

Joe Pinto

Chief Customer Experience Officer at Pure Storage

3 年

John -well done !

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