Admit it, we are a fortunate lot. In all likelihood if you are reading this then you can afford to use/own a computer. I would hazard that there is a good possibility that you will be spending the holidays with family or maybe jetting off to some island to drink rum from the navel of some obliging young thing.
But, in all seriousness, not everyone has the same situation. One of the projects that I was toying with was setting up a charitable foundation but, Johnny Long has already done that. Rather than reinvent the wheel I thought I would add my voice to the rising tide of folks pushing the “i hack charities” project. Now less menacingly named “Hackers for Charity” I would ask people to have a look at this great project that is being led by Long and others.
From the site:
Picking on charities is just plain rude. Thankfully, that’s not what we’re about. We’re about proving that hackers have amazing skills that can transform charitable organizations. We’re about proving that those skills can be translated into careers, one keystroke and one resume bullet at a time. Got some extra keystrokes? Need some references to get your career rolling? Just want to give back to those in need? You’ve come to the right place.
I know that at the end of the year vendors tend to have old swag lying around. T-shirts, jackets, bags, well you get the idea. The Hackers for Charity could use these to help cloth a child in need or provide school supplies. When I attended RSA Security in 2007 I left there with 27 t-shirts and I wasn’t even trying to gather them. I have since given away most but, if you have anything like this consider providing it to these guys. Or more importantly they even collect donations.
Hint, hint.
So this holiday when you’re chillin’ out with a bottle of 18 year old scotch take a moment to pause and think. You could help someone in need by sending in money, swag or even by donating your skills.
Help support this cause. Thanks for allowing me this moment to climb the podium.
Have a safe and happy holiday!
[tags]Charity, Charitable Donations, Hackers For Charity, Johnny Long[/tags]
Dave – that’s brilliant! Thanks for bringing out the Christmas cheer, and I hope everyone gets a chance to read and consider this. I know of at least a few vendors who have more than enough swag to give to something like this – I’ll give it a shot.
Maybe they could create a list… of vendors that have selflessly donated their swag and/or donations to this cause, and shed some positive light on them?
Keep up the good work.
@Rafalski
Every little bit helps. Not a bad idea on the list.
Thanks for the kind words!
Peace