IBM Employees and Retirees Contribute Time to Improve Their Communities

From governments and NGOs to communities in developing markets to children and young people just beginning to build their lives, IBM partners receive the best of IBM skills, expertise and technology through more than $4 million in local Community Grants each year. Volunteer Excellence award winner in Shanghai, En Chang (Anson) Zhoum, mentored fellow people with disabilities, providing them with a role model, tangible job-training skills and potential career opportunities at IBM. Two IBM Community Grants helped Anson and the Shanghai Wanbang Care and Service Center host a unique entrepreneur competition for young people with disabilities, and with a site visit to meet other IBMers with disabilities and learn about accessibility technology.

Each year, nearly 270,000 active IBMers and retirees use On Demand Community to contribute their time and talent, and to find opportunities to connect with others in volunteering efforts that improve their communities. Since the program’s inception, current and retired IBMers have donated nearly 18 million volunteer hours to help bring about the positive transformation of communities around the world.