Knak’s clients are stepping up to the plate in the midst of COVID-19
The world feels a bit upside down at the moment, but even though “business as usual” is being redefined, some of our clients have made it their business to make a difference. Check out what these organizations are doing to support their communities – from grants and bonuses to wifi and video games.
- The Portland Trail Blazers organization has created a COVID-19 Relief Fund to support local nonprofits that have been impacted by the crisis. They’ve also established a virtual resource center to help connect their community to resources in the Portland area like food, mental health and wellness care, kids activities, and other basic needs.
- J.B. Hunt, one of the largest transportation and logistics companies in North America, is supporting its drivers and personnel at field operations and customer facilities by providing cash bonuses as a thank you for keeping freight moving in the midst of rapidly evolving supply chain needs.
- Guild Education partners with employers to offer education benefits to their workers. In the midst of this crisis, they’re working with universities and learning partners throughout the US to offer up- and out-skilled training for laid off and furloughed workers. Through their SkillUp program, workers can find skill-based training designed to help them advance toward higher skilled jobs. Guild is also helping connect workers with employers who are hiring.
- BlueJeans, a leader in cloud video conferencing, is helping organizations adjust to remote work while maintaining connectivity. And effective immediately, they’re offering free, organization-wide access to their video conferencing service to first responders and NGOs who are helping manage outbreaks and protect their communities.
- Comcast is working to keep people connected to the internet for business, education, health, and personal use. They are offering free Xfinity WiFi hotspots across the country and making their Internet Essentials program free to new customers for 60 days. They’ve also partnered with Common Sense Media to create new educational collections for all grade levels.
- The Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana Foundation has pledged $2.1M to help meet the needs of Louisianians struggling in the midst of the outbreak. Grants will be given to nonprofits to help meet short term needs like food, shelter, utilities, and clothing in their communities, with additional funding going to assist employees facing unexpected hardship. BCBSLA has taken several other steps to help members, and we’re happy to share their message of hope along with more details on their contribution here.
- Edwards Lifesciences is donating critical care technologies to help patients around the world. Their Foundation is issuing emergency grants to partner organizations, and team members in New York are even taking it a step farther and helping assemble hemodynamic monitors for clinicians who are anxious to put them to use.
- And to balance it out a bit, Epic Games, maker of Fortnite, House Party, and Borderlands, is keeping you entertained while you’re stuck at home. They release a free game every Thursday at 11:00 AM ET, so check their site to download a free game or join a free-to-play game community.
We’re proud to be part of such a caring community, and we encourage you to visit these sites and read more about what they’re doing to help.
And if your organization is doing something extraordinary in response to COVID-19, please let us know! We’d love to share how you’re taking care of your people in the midst of uncertainty.
