Making an impact
Giving back contributes to the overall well-being of the communities in which we reside while fostering a sense of belonging among those who dedicate their time and energy. With that in mind, OpenX recently reintroduced the OpenX Cares program with the goal of encouraging volunteerism in its global workforce.
As a part of this initiative, at the end of April, social impact platform Percent Pledge helped OpenX plan and organize volunteer events in New York and Krakow, Poland.
Improving accessibility in Krakow
Our Krakow team worked with Wheelmap, an online platform that provides information about the wheelchair accessibility of public places around the world. The map functions much like Wikipedia: Anyone can contribute by rating public places worldwide based on their wheelchair accessibility.
The Krakow team conducted a comprehensive accessibility mapping project, evaluating wheelchair accessibility in local buildings, parks, and streets within their community. Teams ventured into neighboring areas, utilizing a traffic light system to document their observations.
They rated 496 locations, including 50 places not previously identified on the map. Their work will significantly improve the safety and ease of navigation for wheelchair users and individuals with mobility differences throughout the city.
“The Wheelmap volunteer event at OpenX was a great experience, which showed me how easy it is to have a positive impact on someone else’s life.“
-RAFAL SIECZKA, SOFTWARE ENGINEER II
Supporting at-risk families in New York
Back in the US, the New York-based OpenX team participated in a volunteer shift at the Little Essentials warehouse in Brooklyn, where they assisted in sorting and quality-checking children’s and baby essentials. Little Essentials offers at-risk families living in poverty urgently needed children’s supplies and parenting education to promote the health, well-being, and safety of their children five years of age and younger.
During the session, OpenX volunteers learned how proper organization and quality assurances can facilitate the donation process for Little Essentials and their partners, making it easier to connect at-risk families with the specific items they need.
“At the volunteer event, surrounded by my dedicated coworkers, sorting and packaging necessities for children and families in need, I felt the profound joy of making a difference, intertwined with the camaraderie and joy of working together. It was a moment that warmed my heart and provided an invaluable perspective on the impact of our efforts.”
-ALEXA DE ROSA, ACCOUNT DIRECTOR, PROGRAMMATIC PUBLISHER PARTNERSHIPS
Giving back, the OpenX way
At OpenX, we’re committed to making a difference. We’re motivated by the genuine effort and enthusiasm shown by everyone involved, and look forward to organizing future initiatives as we continue to support the communities in which we live.
