At InfoTrust, one of the most important aspects of our organization is that we believe in supporting our community. No entity, whether it is a person or a company, exists in a vacuum; and to this end, for its entire 12-year history, InfoTrust has existed as a privately held company with no venture backing which allows our organization to prioritize not only on turning a profit, but to also contribute significant percentages of all proceeds to various community initiatives around the world via our InfoTrust Foundation arm of the organization.
“Giving back to the community is a mission that InfoTrust and the InfoTrust Foundation take very seriously,” says James Bryan Gonzales, InfoTrust Foundation Advocate. “We’re very fortunate to have the ability to participate and contribute to this effort, especially during the annual Basket Brigade initiative. Being a part of an activity that touches people’s lives is transformative, both professionally and personally. I strongly believe that it’s our duty as an individual to make a positive impact in this world, even in small ways.”
After a two-year hiatus, InfoTrust was thrilled to reconvene in-person this year for Basket Brigade and Day of Service activities across our various international offices!
Doing Good in Dubai
On November 2, InfoTrusters in our Dubai office volunteered with Pakistan Association Dubai to help organize and arrange supplies for supporting families affected by floods in Pakistan. At this Day of Service initiative, InfoTrusters helped move critically-needed flood relief food packages which were then transported to affected families in the region. According to UNICEF, in 2022 torrential monsoons have caused the most severe flooding ever recorded in Pakistan’s history. 615 children have already perished in the devastating floods and nearly 10 million children likewise affected in this tragedy. At InfoTrust, we believe in doing what we can to help. Even if challenges seem daunting, if everyone does their part, together, we can make a difference.
Cincinnati Office Gives Back
On November 18, InfoTrusters in our Cincinnati office volunteered for Basket Brigade to prepare 100 baskets for Cincinnati Public Schools. In the Cincinnati Public School (CPS) system, roughly 80 percent of children attending come from below poverty level families and even though CPS only requested 50 baskets, InfoTrust delivered 100 baskets, knowing how much the additional contributions would be needed. At the event, InfoTrust CEO Alex Yastrebenetsky reiterated one of his favorite quotes to all employees in the Cincinnati office, “With great power, comes great responsibility.” Since InfoTrust’s inception, this guiding philosophy has continued to be a northstar for our organization.
Cebu City, Philippines Office Lends a Hand
On November 25, InfoTrusters in our Philippines, Cebu office volunteered with Mary Queen of Heaven Missionaries (MQHM) to help donate food and supplies. Weeks prior to the Basket Brigade, InfoTrusters Bonne and Maria met with one of the pink sisters from MQHM to know the current needs of the women and children in the center. Then the Philippines team went to secure the items for donation at a local supermarket to prepare for the visit. As smooth as things were going, things don’t always proceed to plan though! On the day of the packing, InfoTruster Bonne Cañal recounted, “The van we were riding could not carry us together with the goods so the driver asked us to move out of the van so that the donations could make its way up to the center. And so we did, but nobody was ready for that hike haha!”
After making their way to the top of the hill though, InfoTrusters were able to help organize the supplies for MQHM and ensure everything was packed up and ready to go. A pink sister assigned in the shelter also shared with the team about MQHM’s history and mission of rescuing children and young women, ages eight and older, from prostitution. Additionally, the organization also provides educational assistance to survivors and the rural poor of the Philippines.
After making their way to the top of the hill, InfoTrusters were able to help organize supplies for MQHM and ensure everything was packed up and ready to go!
Chicago InfoTrusters Make a Lasting Connection
This season, the Chicago office participated in the Connections for Homeless’ Gift of Giving holiday gift drive, which anonymously matches donors with a participant wishlist. Prior to Thanksgiving week, the Chicago office team received 15 wishlists from the nonprofit’s participants. The Chicago team then collaborated to look for items online for participants that ranged from candles and running shoes to comforters and coffee pots. Then, on December 2, Chicago InfoTrusters wrapped the gifts and cross-checked them against the wishlist to ensure every participant received the item that they requested. There were also two representatives from the non-profit that came to the office to share about their efforts to end homelessness in the Chicago area which is based upon an evidenced-based, “Housing First” approach.
At InfoTrust, we consider “Our success is someone else’s miracle.” It is this guiding principle that truly sets InfoTrust apart. Though our headquarters is in the Cincinnati, Ohio area, our reach is global with our various international offices and InfoTrusters around the world consider it a tremendous honor and privilege to do what we can to spread good cheer and help this holiday season. Do enjoy the end of 2022 and we look forward to seeing you again in 2023 and in the years beyond!
