Last fall, severe hurricanes devastated the Southeastern United States, resulting in over $200 billion in damage. Together, the storms killed more than 460 people, displaced thousands, and left large swathes of the population without power, clean drinking water, and access to basic supplies.

Hurricane Helene struck in late September of 2024, bringing heavy rainfall and strong winds to Florida, Georgia, and the Carolinas. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration reported that Hurricane Helene was among the costliest climate disasters of 2024, with damages estimated at $79.6 billion.

Less than two weeks later, Hurricane Milton struck the same area. The storm made landfall in Florida, bringing catastrophic flooding and severe wind damage. Approximately 125 homes were destroyed, and over 3 million buildings lost power.

Within 24 hours, World Vision was on the scene providing food, emergency water, and medical supplies. The impact of these storms continued to unfold as the weeks passed, but we remained committed to ensuring that communities had the support needed to rebuild their lives.

Through local partnerships with churches and other organizations, World Vision was able to reach thousands in the hardest-hit areas.

The response focused heavily on North Carolina for Helene, where critical infrastructure had been destroyed, including water systems, homes, and schools. In Florida, for Milton, teams coordinated disaster relief efforts, including the distribution of Crisis Relief Boxes (fresh food boxes).

The rebuilding phase began soon after the immediate cleanup, focusing on restoring homes and essential infrastructure. World Vision’s partnerships with organizations like Swannanoa Church, Asheville Dream Center, Conduit, and Operation Blessing have enabled the efficient distribution of building materials, tools, and other supplies to begin rebuilding efforts.

World Vision has also offered educational support, supplying over 7,000 books, Classroom Well-Being Kits, and school supplies to children impacted by the disasters.

While the work is ongoing, these collaborations laid the foundation for the long-term recovery needed to restore normalcy to affected communities.

We thank you for your generous support on behalf of those still recovering.

SIX-MONTH ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Thanks to our generous corporate partners and financial supporters, World Vision has partnered with local churches and community organizations to provide relief to displaced families and transition to helping rebuild communities. Highlights include:

• Supported more than 70,000 survivors across four states, assisting communities in Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina with relief distributions.
• Began restoring over 150 homes, partnering with local organizations to support reconstruction, with 50 homes completed to date.
• Distributed 57 truckloads of relief supplies, including food, water, clothing, hygiene kits, and tools.
• Provided more than 73,000 pounds of food and 18,000 gallons of water to communities in need, helping thousands of survivors.
• Partnered with five key organizations to promote long-term recovery, collaborating with local churches and community groups to place resources for rebuilding efforts.
• Awarded $362,000 in grant funding to partner organizations for cleanup and rebuilding projects.
• Distributed more than 20,000 toys and 7,000 books through eight family events during the holidays.

REBUILDING COMMUNITY

Jim and Allie Bourdy woke up at 5 a.m. September 27, 2024 when their white noise machine stopped humming. “We were expecting to lose power . . . but not ready [to fight for our] lives,” says Allie.

The couple decided to monitor the situation from inside of their home, but by 9 a.m., the water had risen so high that a truck stalled out at the end of their driveway. The window for escaping in their car had passed, and they began discussing whether it was safe to remain at home. As they were speaking, the refrigerator began to float, then slammed to the ground. It was time to go.

Jim grabbed some foam exercise blocks to use as flotation devices and they made it to the roof of a neighbor’s house, where they were rescued by two Good Samaritans in a kayak. When they later returned to the home, they were shocked to find a chair hanging from a chandelier among overturned furniture and mud covered walls. The couple’s dismay multiplied when they were informed that their homeowner’s insurance wouldn’t cover the damage.

But all was not lost. One night as Jim and Allie were getting a hot meal at a local church, contractor Chris Cronin offered to help them rebuild their house as part of a project coordinated by partner Swannanoa Church using building materials procured by World Vision from corporate partners.

Chris hopes that with the gift of these items, they’ll be able to stretch their FEMA award to cover more than construction. “If . . . they’re able to hold on to more of their FEMA money, [they will be able] to buy . . . furniture and dishes and . . . laundry units,” he says. “Because, I mean, they lost everything.”

LOOKING AHEAD

We’re proud of the progress made alongside our partners in the wake of Hurricanes Helene and Milton, but there is still much work to be done.

As we move into the next phase of rebuilding, our immediate goals include:

• Partnering with non-profits, corporations, and other organizations to get families back in their homes by restoring 150 residences by the end of the year.
• Assessing and addressing ongoing needs while strengthening our partnerships with Swannanoa Church, Operation Blessing, Asheville Dream Center, and Conduit to ensure effective, long-term recovery.
• Supporting communities as they rebuild and recover, helping them emerge stronger and more resilient.

THANK YOU

The communities impacted by Hurricanes Helene and Milton have faced incredible hardship, but with the help of our dedicated partners, we’ve made significant strides in the recovery process. Your support has been crucial in bringing relief and hope to those who need it most. Thank you for standing with us as we continue to rebuild lives and restore communities.

Find out how your company can play a part in rebuilding lives and restoring hope after disasters. Click here.

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Extreme weather events can cause widespread destruction, putting vulnerable communities at greater risk of falling deeper into poverty. When heatwaves, hurricanes, floods, tornadoes, and wildfires strike, they expose children and families to increased risks of harm and danger.

The severe storm system that began on March 14 swept through the central and eastern U.S., unleashing 87 tornadoes, dust storms, and high winds. At least 39 people lost their lives, with Mississippi and Missouri experiencing the most severe impacts from the tornadoes. Wildfires in Oklahoma and Texas, along with dust storms in Kansas and Texas, compounded the devastation.

In response to these devastating events, World Vision takes swift action — around the world and in the U.S — to deliver lifesaving aid, including providing essentials like food, clean water, and hygiene kits. But our efforts don’t stop there. We keep working alongside communities to help them build resilience and prepare for future disasters. This includes investing in early warning systems and equipping communities with the tools they need to respond effectively to weather hazards.

“Children are one of the most vulnerable groups in the midst of crises and often have no idea of the magnitude of the events they are experiencing. They find themselves away from home, family, and friends,” said Thiago Crucciti, World Vision’s national director in Brazil, reflecting on the devastating 2024 floods in Brazil. To address this need, World Vision helps families access psychosocial support and Child-Friendly Spaces so they can start to regain a sense of normalcy. “Without an appropriate intervention, these events could leave lasting scars. We must respond now to ensure that they get the support they desperately need,” Crucciti said.

Beyond our immediate emergency response, we also collaborate with communities on long-term projects like land restoration, infrastructure improvements, and community development. These efforts improve food security, restore ecosystems, and open economic opportunities — critical steps toward long-term resilience.

You can help deliver hope and meet practical needs when emergencies strike.

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How the Qurate Retail Group and World Vision partnership has created a chain reaction of impact in the last 10 years.

In the world of retail, the emphasis is often on transactions—the act of buying and selling. But what if the retail business could be something more? What if, while meeting consumer demand for quality products and generating profit, a company could have a ripple effect, helping children and families in need? This question has been at the heart of Qurate Retail Group’s (QRG) decade-long partnership with World Vision.

It began, as many initiatives do, with a small team and a big idea. Ten years ago, two QRG employees found themselves grappling with a dual challenge: improving warehouse efficiency and contributing meaningfully to the community. It was a practical problem, yet it also held the potential to create a chain reaction of impact. The solution they found was both practical and impactful—partnering with World Vision to repurpose surplus goods, extending product life cycle while helping vulnerable children and families.

Qurate Retail Group is a leading global retailer known for its multimedia commerce platforms, which include television networks, digital streaming services, and e-commerce websites. The company operates well-known brands such as QVC, HSN, and several others, reaching millions of customers worldwide. QRG is recognized for its innovative shopping experiences, blending entertainment with retail, and offering a wide range of products including fashion, home goods, electronics, and beauty items.

But they also take seriously a commitment to a more sustainable approach to retail that is intentionally inclusive, entrepreneurially driven, responsibly curated, and waste-smart. “We’re committed to giving back to the communities we serve,” reflects Suzanne Quigley, director of global corporate responsibility at Qurate Retail Group. “We do this through corporate philanthropy, product donations, team member giving, and volunteerism.”

Over the past decade, what started as a modest partnership with World Vision has grown into a powerful program for good. To date, Qurate Retail Group has donated 30,000 pallets of product, valued at $60 million, through World Vision. These donations have reached hundreds of thousands of people across 35 countries, helping communities in need with resources like clothing and household items. In the United States alone, QRG’s donations have touched lives in 29 states, offering hope and support to those who need it most.

But the impact of this partnership extends beyond the immediate benefits of the donated goods. It’s about more than just the number of pallets shipped or the dollar value of the products—though those numbers are impressive. It’s about the ripple effect that these donations create, the way they uplift communities and inspire further acts of generosity.

“Our entire team is extremely proud of our partnership with World Vision,” Suzanne says. “And we’re inspired to keep up the momentum of being a force for good in the world. Through our dedicated focus on community and social impact, our Global Impact team seeks to embed inclusion, sustainability, and social responsibility into all aspects of our business. Our partnership with World Vision is a perfect example of this commitment in action.”

In 2023 alone, World Vision distributed 4,262 pallets of QRG product to communities in need. This effort is just one facet of a broader strategy to use business as a catalyst for change. In addition to product donations, QRG also provided a monetary donation to World Vision’s Women’s Empowerment Fund. This initiative helps women overcome poverty and income inequality. It’s a way to equip women with the resources and support they need to build a better life for themselves and their families.

“Supporting these impactful programs helps fuel economic growth and empowerment on a global scale,” Suzanne explains. “It’s about creating opportunities and opening doors for those who might otherwise be left behind.”

Indeed, the Women’s Empowerment Fund is a powerful example of how targeted, strategic philanthropy can drive long-term change. By investing in women, who are often the backbone of their communities, QRG and World Vision are helping create a more equitable world—one where everyone has the chance to thrive. Qurate Retail Group has already contributed over $148 million to worthy causes since 2020. Even in the fast-paced retail industry, there’s room for a deep commitment to the greater good. And in a world where the challenges from poverty and inequality can feel insurmountable, the partnership between QRG and World Vision offers an open door of possibilities. It’s proof that when business and philanthropy come together with a shared vision, the impact can be truly transformative.

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How Group Publishing and World Vision are equipping the next generation to make a profound difference.

In the summer of 2023, Group Publishing and World Vision came together with a simple yet powerful idea: children helping children. Group Publishing—a leader in creating innovative ministry resources to help people grow in their faith—had already been a longtime partner with World Vision. Beginning in 1998, Group Publishing teamed up with World Vision for important projects like helping communities gain access to clean water and empowering children to reach their full potential. But this new endeavor would do something different: Motivated by compassion, kids would raise funds to send Bibles to other children around the world, intertwining spiritual education with global outreach in a unique and impactful way.

Group Publishing’s vacation Bible school (VBS) curriculum—already a popular staple in many churches—always included a mission component, where students could contribute to a cause larger than themselves. “We wanted to create an experience that extended beyond the walls of the church,” explained Jody Brolsma, executive director of content creation at Group Publishing. “By partnering with World Vision, we provided an opportunity for children to make a tangible difference in the lives of their peers around the world.”

The program was designed with intention and care. Each day of VBS, over 100,000 children, from all over the U.S., had fun exploring themes of the Bible through engaging storytelling, crafts, and activities. Students also learned about the challenges faced by children their own age around the world—and how the gift of a Bible could offer hope and lead to transformation. The students were able to not only absorb biblical teachings but also develop a sense of empathy and global awareness.

The impact was immediate and profound. Churches reported that children were deeply moved by the stories they heard and were eager to help send Bibles to children without one. “Churches so appreciate that we were giving children a chance to make a difference,” Jody noted. “We had congregations telling us, ‘Our kids are now passionate and talking about helping others.’ They were not just passive participants; they were active agents of change.”

For World Vision, the partnership was a testament to the power of collective effort. “We have always believed in the strength of community and the transformative power of education,” said Russ Shumaker, strategy and partnership manager for World Vision. “This partnership with Group Publishing was a perfect alignment of our values and mission. Together, we were able to reach more children with good news and the message of hope.”

The initiative’s success was measured not just in the number of Bibles distributed (and many Bibles were distributed!) but also in the lasting impression it left on the young participants. Parents and church leaders observed a marked change in the children’s perspectives. The children were more aware of global issues, more empathetic, and more eager to contribute to charitable causes. “It’s amazing to see the ripple effect,” Jody remarked. “One small act of giving can ignite a lifelong passion for service and compassion.”

Jody continues, “With the number of churches Group Publishing connects with, World Vision is the perfect partner in these endeavors. They have the integrity and display the long-lasting impact of the work. There is so much reach when working with World Vision.”

The partnership between Group Publishing and World Vision was more than a curriculum addition; it was a movement. It demonstrated how strategic collaboration could amplify the impact of educational programs, fostering a generation that values empathy and action. For many VBS students, this was a tipping point—a small but significant step toward a larger cultural shift where children are not just the recipients of knowledge but the catalysts of global change.

In the end, the relationship between Group Publishing and World Vision did more than just send Bibles to children around the world. It created a bridge between communities and a shared mission that united young hearts in the spirit of giving. And in doing so, it also planted seeds of kindness and empathy that will undoubtedly bear fruit for years to come.

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Eco-Soap Bank and World Vision are helping improve hygiene around the globe.

At its core, a bar of soap is a simple fusion of fats and lye, a straightforward concoction that belies its incredible power. This alchemical wonder breaks the bonds of grease and grime, and cleans away dirt and germs. But beyond its practical nature, soap embodies a deeper wisdom: It teaches us that even the simplest of solutions can have the most profound effects. In a single bar, we find a lesson in humility and efficiency, a reminder that solving large problems often requires simple solutions.

This is also the story of Eco-Soap Bank, an initiative born from a shocking realization: While millions suffer from preventable diseases due to lack of hygiene tools, tons of soap scraps are discarded daily. As a partner with World Vision, Eco-Soap Bank transforms waste into wellness—on a global scale.

Founded in 2014, Eco-Soap Bank has a simple yet important mission: to safely recycle used hotel soap and distribute clean bars to those in need. The process is as ingenious as it is impactful. The first step of soap recycling begins in hotel rooms across the United States. Housekeeping staff collects used soap bars, which are then shipped to Eco-Soap Bank’s processing centers. Here, the soap undergoes a rigorous cleaning process to remove impurities and is then melted down, sterilized, and remolded into fresh bars.

This process not only extends the life cycle of soap but also significantly reduces environmental waste. Eco-Soap Bank has also trained 200 women to conduct this process, and now they are skilled in a trade that offers economic empowerment to disadvantaged families. Once crafted, soap bars are subsequently distributed to organizations like World Vision, amplifying their reach and efficacy in communities around the world.

Why soap? The statistics are both startling and motivating. In the United States alone, hotels throw away an estimated 2.6 million bars of soap daily. Meanwhile, 395,000 children under the age of 5 die each year from diarrheal diseases related to poor hygiene—illnesses that could be drastically reduced with simple handwashing practices. Eco-Soap Bank bridges this gap by turning waste into a potential lifeline, demonstrating that what we discard can actually be a part of livesaving solutions.

“For every $1 invested in hygiene programs and tools,” says Samir Lakhani, the founder and CEO of Eco-Soap Bank, “there is a social impact of $25. Our work has a broad impact, not only on the vulnerable, but on entire communities. And by partnering with organizations like World Vision, we’re able to extend our impact exponentially.”

World Vision has a presence in nearly 100 countries, with many programs focusing on water, sanitation, and hygiene. While we build the infrastructure for access to clean water and sanitation, Eco-Soap Bank provides the essential element of soap, helping ensure that these facilities can be used to their fullest potential.

Eco-Soap Bank’s impact is both measurable and noteworthy. Since its inception, the organization has donated 60 million bars of soap. This effort has also diverted over 60,000 pounds of waste from landfills, highlighting a sustainable model of social entrepreneurship.

“Eco-Soap Bank’s approach is a brilliant example of circular economy in action,” says Bernadette Martin, corporate engagement director for World Vision. “By transforming waste into a valuable resource, they’re not only addressing a critical public health need but also promoting environmental sustainability. Our partnership allows us to leverage each other’s strengths, creating a more significant impact in the communities we serve.”

The data supporting Eco-Soap Bank’s mission is compelling. According to the World Health Organization, handwashing with soap can reduce diarrhea morbidity by up to 44% and respiratory infections by up to 23%. These statistics underscore the critical importance of soap in public health initiatives. Yet, the challenge lies in accessibility, particularly in impoverished regions where soap is considered a luxury.

In countries like Cambodia, where Eco-Soap Bank first began its work, the disparity is stark. Many families cannot afford soap, leading to high rates of preventable diseases. By providing free hygiene products, Eco-Soap Bank not only alleviates a financial burden but also educates communities on the importance of proper hygiene. This dual approach—provision and education—is essential for lasting change.

As we consider the broader implications of this endeavor, it becomes evident that the partnership of Eco-Soap Bank and World Vision is more than just a collaboration—it is pioneering a movement that redefines waste and wellness. This work exemplifies how innovative thinking and strategic partnerships can transform global health landscapes.

Reflecting on the journey, Samir shared how Eco-Soap Bank has grown to the point where they can quickly respond to disasters: “When a hurricane hit Honduras, World Vision reached out to us with a need. And we were able to meet that need for the survivors in Honduras. I am very grateful that we are at a point where we can ship thousands of bars of soap at a moment’s notice.”

Indeed, Eco-Soap Bank’s story is a powerful illustration that within the byproducts of our consumption lies the potential for meaningful change. By turning waste into a resource, they are not just helping to clean hands—they are helping change lives, one bar of soap at a time.

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World Vision Partner Since 2020

SmartBuyGlasses is one of the world’s largest online eyewear retailers. With more than 10 years of expertise and a presence in 40 countries, SmartBuyGlasses offers a catalog of over 80,000 products from more than 180 brands. The company gives back to the community through its SmartBuy Collection, SmartBuy Readers, and SmartBuy Kids brands. After working with many organizations over the last decade to further their corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives, SmartBuyGlasses is partnering with World Vision to deepen that impact.

In early 2020, as they witnessed the toll the pandemic was taking on the world, especially the most vulnerable communities, SmartBuyGlasses was ready to amplify their CSR with bigger and more compelling goals. That’s why partnering with World Vision’s healthcare programs in developing countries made sense. “As it is one of the most renowned global charities that supports children, we knew that this specific partnership would take our charitable efforts to the next level. After careful consideration of many social projects, we selected the mother and child program in Zambia to combine our expertise and passion to make a notable impact,” says Julia Ritchie, head of CSR. “In 2022, social initiatives should be at the forefront of the e-commerce industry, and we are happy to have a role in driving this much-needed change.”

With a goal to reach 40,000 women and children in Zambia through World Vision healthcare programs, SmartBuyGlasses has adopted a “buy one, help one” model for their SmartBuy Collection line. In 2021, they promoted the partnership on Mother’s Day and Giving Tuesday, in particular, raising awareness for the health needs of moms and kids in Zambian communities. Through the initiative, they were able to support nearly 5,000 women and children with access to healthcare in 2021 alone.

Aligning their business goals with CSR goals has propelled the company to take even further steps for children and more change they’ve seen, the more they’ve been inspired to press forward with giving back. “When we see our efforts in action, it gives even more meaning to our mission and makes us proud,” Ritchie adds.

“As a global company, we have our sights set on global initiatives. By identifying areas of the world that need our support and providing resources in the best ways we can,” says Ritchie, “we feel that we can be an industry leader with initiatives that have the power to change lives. We hope that our customers feel empowered when they give back to the community, and every time they put on their SmartBuy Collection eyewear it can serve as a reminder of the real impact that they helped create.”

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World Vision Partner Since 2014

Founded 90 years ago, Henry Schein is an international solutions company for healthcare professionals, particularly dental and medical offices. Henry Schein Cares, the company’s global corporate social responsibility program, discovered World Vision through their work with Partnership for Quality Medical Donations (PQMD), a global collaboration that promotes sustainable access to quality healthcare in underserved communities and populations in crisis. World Vision has been a grant recipient of Henry Schein Cares’ Global Product Donation Program (GPDP) since 2014, receiving more than $6.1 million worth of donated product like toothbrushes to distribute to children and families in need. GPDP provides a broad selection of healthcare products and supplies to community medical or dental organizations on a two-year cycle. Along with helping people in need, it also helps advance the company’s role in the circular economy by keeping thousands of tons of imperfectly packaged productsout of landfills.

Advancing health equity is one of Henry Schein Cares’ key pillars, so access to care for underserved populations and disaster preparedness and response are their focus areas in partnering with World Vision. It’s a partnership that “helps health happen” to support wellness and prevention education for communities as well as ensuring the swift availability of life-saving supplies for healthcare professionals responding to disasters.

“We believe that regardless of where someone is born, their social or economic situation, or the color of their skin, all people should have access to quality, affordable healthcare. Particularly in times of disaster, we know that vulnerable populations and communities are especially affected, and we appreciate the emergency relief support World Vision provides,” says Jennifer Kim Field, Henry Schein’s vice president of corporate social responsibility.

In 2021 Henry Schein Cares donated over $460,000 worth of product to World Vision. Depending on the needs, World Vision determines where best to use the donated product, and the majority of the support goes toward World Vision’s U.S. programs or global emergency response efforts. “We do not step into nonprofit partnerships lightly, because we want to bring longevity to our partnership to achieve mutual goals that are deep and sustained over time,” says Field. “World Vision has exceeded our expectations as a partner in their expertise in working with underserved communities, responding to disasters, and managing product donations.”

World Vision’s global scale and strong infrastructure are also important to Henry Schein Cares, since these ensure that care and relief are delivered quickly and directly to people in need. “Particularly given the impacts of COVID-19 and the additional burden on vulnerable communities in times of disaster,” says Field, “we look forward to working more closely with World Vision to ensure everyone who needs help is able to receive it, and that equity is a key piece of our partnership.”

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World Vision Partners Since 2020

Harry Sangree, an experienced technology innovator in sea freight and global trade, had no idea the launch of his new company would land on the day that a global pandemic shut down much of the U.S. The company, SeaFreight Labs, was poised to begin marketing its service to discover innovative solutions to the toughest global shipping problems through a crowdsourced “challenge” model. Sangree explains, “I had this company and this capability, and the world had shut down, so I wondered who else could benefit from it. And my wife said, ‘What about World Vision?’”

In a short time, Sangree was connected to World Vision’s water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) team, who proposed a series of seemingly intractable problems for SeaFreight Labs’ crowdsourcing model to tackle. The first challenge entailed coming up with scalable and affordable rural single-family sanitation solutions. Through InnoCentive—the crowdsourcing challenge platform used by SeaFreight Labs—525 participating “solvers” came up with over 100 different proposals, of which three were named winners and awarded prizes. SeaFreight Labs collaborated with World Vision’s WASH team on the crowd-solving model, and the winning solutions are now being tested in rural African communities where World Vision works to determine their commercial viability and scalability.

“Because this is an innovation partnership, there’s a high risk but a potentially very high return,” says Sangree. Since a successful challenge in SeaFreight Labs’ model creates a design rather than a commercially available product, it’s too early to tell what the impact of this solution could be for areas where organizations like World Vision are working to empower people in poverty. But a key aspect of this collaboration is availability—the stipulations of each challenge require the solutions to stay in the public domain so other organizations can share in the innovation and knowledge as each works to contribute to people’s well-being.

The second WASH challenge involved creating a low-cost chlorine monitoring mechanism for rural piped water systems in Africa, where the use of chlorination to safeguard public drinking water remains low. From five viable proposed solutions, World Vision awarded a prize to a solution for a fully automated system that uses sensors to monitor free chlorine residual levels. The bill of materials cost at scale for this solution amounts to less than US$400, a more than 80% reduction from currently available offerings.

“It is rare to invoke Jesus and Steve Jobs in the same breath,” says Sangree. “But Steve’s famous quote that ‘the people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world are the ones who do’ synced with Jesus’ instructions to love and serve others and became the motivation for this project.”

“As a longtime donor to World Vision, I’m excited to have a chance to participate in trying new ways to innovate. World Vision is uniquely positioned in the world because of its focus on the poor and the scale of its operations,” he says. “They can identify high-impact problems and dedicate appropriate resources to truly mitigate or eliminate them, so I’m quite hopeful about what could happen through our partnership.”

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World Vision Partner Since 2020

As a leading provider of hybrid colocation and mega scale data center solutions, QTS Data Centers has also become a leader in environmental, social, and governance (ESG) in the data industry. For a business dependent on energy and water, QTS understood their impact on the environment and knew they wanted to partner with philanthropies that give back. Values that support family, faith, and community drive the company, and they’re committed to delivering their services in a way that improves the lives of their employees, customers, and community members “while taking equal care of the environment and natural resources we all share.” After establishing “Grow with QTS” and partnering with a forestry nonprofit, QTS developed the HumanKind initiative, partnering with World Vision to equip people in developing countries with clean water for the life of every customer’s contract, at no cost to the customer. For large, multi-megawatt customers, QTS funds a sustainable clean water source, such as a well or water point, in a developing country of their customer’s choice, equipping an entire community with lasting access to clean water. For every 100kW contracted through QTS, they donate enough to World Vision to equip three people in need with lasting access to clean water. As well, some of QTS’s largest contracts last five to 15 years or longer, so they can assure their customers that the impact through the World Vision partnership will be significant.

In December 2020, QTS funded their first water point on behalf of a customer in a community in Kenya, and they have four more in progress. “It means so much to see the report of the impact now that the water point is done,” says Megan Hofmeyer, QTS director of strategic marketing. “It’s so exciting to share updates with the customer, and they were so happy to see what this partnership had done for a community in need.” To date, over 6,800 people in communities around the world have been equipped with access to life-changing clean water thanks to this partnership. QTS was also a corporate sponsor for World Vision’s 2021 Global 6K for Water®, an event that nearly 30 QTS employees across the U.S. also participated in—helping equip nearly 100 more people with clean water through fundraising and registration fees. Hofmeyer describes the company as “an extremely charity-minded organization,” where individuals and teams are encouraged to spend their time on giving back to their local communities and global efforts: “We’re always looking for ways to give back corporately and individually.” “We want our partnerships to be meaningful and measurable,” continues Hofmeyer, “so to be able to write up the impact of our partnership with World Vision and share with customers how they’re helping make a difference is important. With this partnership, we’re really showing that there’s an ongoing effort in our commitment to ESG.”

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  World Vision Partner Since 2015

Baxter, a global medtech leader, on mission for more than 90 years to save and sustain lives, has worked with World Vision since 2015 through the Baxter International Foundation, the company’s philanthropic arm. Their initial grant in 2015 supported an mHealth project to increase access to healthcare for women and children under 2 in Bangalore, India. The project was extended for multiple years to build healthcare worker capacity and reach additional women and children with critically needed health services. Since then, the the Baxter International Foundation has supported numerous emergency responses—such as funding recovery efforts following 2017 landslides in Mocoa, Colombia—and volunteered to build kits for World Vision programs. The Baxter International Foundation has also supported World Vision’s global COVID-19 response since the beginning of the pandemic, and in 2021, gave an additional $100,000 grant for the response in Brazil specifically, toward preventive work including community vaccine awareness; strengthened health systems; and support for children through education, child protection, food security, and livelihoods.

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