After the festivities of Thanksgiving, the hustle and bustle of Black Friday and Cyber-Monday’s shopping, Tuesday, November 28th is a time to slow down and participate in a new holiday – Giving Tuesday. In 2012, Giving Tuesday was created by the 92nd Y and the United Nations Foundation to combat the ever-growing rush of holiday shopping that has begun to eat away at the original concept of the holiday season.
Giving Tuesday, or better known as #GivingTuesday, was created to promote the spirit and act of giving through the use of social media sites. Since social media is a vital tool of communication for today’s generation, this initiative takes to the web to grow engagement, awareness, and participation in the fading art of philanthropy.
Several large corporations jumped on the bandwagon including Google, Microsoft, Skype, Cisco and UNICEF, and the movement has been publicly endorsed by celebrities such as Miranda and Bill Gates.
Comtel Communications and Simplicity VoIP were founded on the spirit of service to our customers and organizations who enrich the lives of those in our community. Our investment in the surrounding community has been and remains one of our most important values. Recognized by Richmond BizSense in the 2017 Generosity, Inc., Comtel was ranked number 32 among local area businesses.
Over the years, our companies have supported numerous groups and non-profits including The Richmond Ballet, St. Andrews School, Beacon Tree Foundation, The Richmond Kickers, and The Steward School as one of many ways to give back.
December 1, 2016 marked the 25th anniversary of Comtel Communications. In celebration of this milestone anniversary, instead of having an event, we decided to invest in the community that has allowed us to grow. For each month in 2017, team members have chosen a charity that is near and dear to their hearts for Comtel's donation. To see the organizations that we have supported, click here. Through our actions, we strive to act as a shining example of what it means to be a good steward to one's community. We would like to encourage our customers and friends to join us and to get Involved.
To participate, log on to the GivingTuesday.org - www.givingtuesday.org. Once on the website, you can find a directory to help you find organizations, charities, events and more in your own community. You can choose a cause that is close to your heart, aligned with your interests and give. Remember, every gift and every dollar counts. Small gifts add up and can make a large impact on the lives of others.
But don’t stop with the act of giving – remember, #GivingTuesday is a day of giving fueled by the power of social media and collaboration. Blog, Tweet, or post on platforms such as Facebook and Instagram about your participation by using the hash tag #GivingTuesday. Join in conversations across social media, connect with fellow Givers and keep the exchanges going. Make use of other Giving Tuesday hash tags such as #Unselfie – a selfless selfie that shows support for the holiday.
Mention or tag us on social media – (twitter: @SimplicityVoIP or @ComtelComUSA) and share what you decided to do as well as how it made you feel. Remember, the holiday season is much more than the commercialization on TV and at the mall. It’s about making a difference, helping others and being a part of a larger community.
Act today – participate now in #GivingTuesday.
About Simplicity
Simplicity VoIP, based in Richmond, VA, provides hosted PBX, VoIP and business telephone solutions nationally to small, medium, and enterprise-level businesses for a comprehensive unified communications experience. Two distinct Class 5 geo-redundant VoIP platforms are offered in addition to fax-to-email, phones and equipment, and managed services. Named as Richmond’s 11th fastest growing company by Richmond BizSense, Simplicity VoIP’s key to success is its on-site service, installation and training supported 24/7/365 by a world-class client services team.