Microsoft Canada's I Volunteer program was created by employees for employees to enable them to give their most valuable asset, their talents and time, back to the communities in which they work. While the impact is substantial the concept is simple - each full-time employee is given up to 40 paid hours per year to volunteer to the charity of their choice. This opportunity translates into great experiences for employees who gain knowledge and skills that they can use in the workplace.

Microsoft Canada employees have volunteered for:

• An orphanage in Guatemala, and Habitat for Humanity builds in Malaysia and Ethiopia
• The Microsoft Canada Charity Hockey team, raising over $150,000 for Boys and Girls Clubs of Canada and Ability Online
• World Vision in Africa
• Giving presentations to parents, educators and children as part of Take Back The Net
• The St. John Ambulance Therapy Dog program
• Supporting women at Microsoft and in the community to develop their careers

Mark Dickinson

During one of Microsoft's annual marketing and sales meetings, the Canadian contingent - including Mark Dickinson - met several American colleagues who played on hockey teams with their Microsoft branch offices. Playing against them in a friendly game encouraged the team of Canadian colleagues to create a charity hockey team back home.

In its second season, Mark took over the Microsoft Canada Charity Hockey Team that has since raised over $150,000 for the Boys and Girls Clubs of Canada and Ability Online.

The annual hockey tournament runs for 12 games over the course of five months. Microsoft Canada's partners and suppliers donate $3,000 for each game they play (once per year) with all funds going towards the charities.

"Children are the core of Microsoft's citizenship efforts," says Mark. "So doing this for the Boys and Girls Club and for Ability Online makes sense. And it's something anyone can participate in."

The uniquely Canadian hockey tournament has grown in size over the last few years and has been supported by I Volunteer hours. Not only has the tournament raised funds, it has also allowed for special opportunities like bringing Boys and Girls Club members together to watch a game.

Mark notes that it's hard to see a Toronto Maple Leafs game or an OHL/AHL game, so to see the smile on children's faces during one of his games is especially heartwarming. "Children need the support of adults in all stages, and this is a wonderful opportunity to put my time towards it," he says. "I've been blessed."

Surendra Nawbatt

Surendra Nawbatt has been a World Vision sponsor for years, but only recently has he seen the impact of the child sponsorship program up close.

The Microsoft Canada Product Manager used some of his paid I Volunteer days in Rwanda visiting with families, touring World Vision investments like health clinics and family planning centres, building a house for orphans, and listening to Rwandans talk about how Canadian funds have made a difference in their lives.

"Everywhere you go, you are touched by the experience and interaction with people impacted by the genocide in some way shape or form of devastation," says Surendra. "There is still a lot of healing and reconciliation in the country."

As part of his I Volunteer experience, Surendra enlisted the support of three new child sponsors in Canada and brought many needed supplies to the children of Rwanda to show support and solidarity.

The I Volunteer program enabled Surendra to fulfill a passion for helping children in developing nations. Surendra also volunteers his time as a mentor.

Joseph Sgandurra

As a Principal Technical Account Manager, Joseph Sgandurra never expected to be such a vocal and visible advocate for online safety.

Five years ago, Joseph attended an internal presentation on online safety and ever since he's been educating parents and children on how they can stay safe online at schools across Ontario.

"I started giving these presentations because I wanted to protect my kids," says Joseph, the father of three. "All the information floored me. I've been in IT for 20 years, and I had never heard of cyberbullying. We started having discussions about how to use the Internet safely at home, and that led to taking it on the road."

Joseph has delivered his online safety message to parents, teachers, kids (aged eight to 18), principles, guidance councillors, police officers, and anyone interested in protecting kids from online predators.

In any given school year, he receives up to 50 requests for presentations. The word-of-mouth has resulted in many I Volunteer hours invested in teaching people the benefits and dangers of online behaviour. He has spoken to over 5,000 people, and is more than 100 Microsoft Canada Internet Safety ambassadors across Canada.

"At this point in time, people still believe it will never happen to their children. You read the papers, watch the news, and you see there is all kinds of inappropriate online behaviour," he says. "You have to know that it's out there."

Catherine Wood

Much has been written about the therapeutic benefits of pets. Even the simple act of petting an animal can lower blood pressure and relieve stress.

In the case of Senior Program Manager, Catherine Wood and her Portuguese Water Dog, Bacchus, the benefits are mutual.

Every Thursday for the past five years, Catherine has used her I Volunteer hours to take Bacchus to visit with residents of a nursing home in Mississauga, Ontario.

"Bacchus loves doing his visits," says Catherine. "He can tell there are some people who really love dogs. He is anxious to visit and kisses them affectionately."

It's important for these particular dogs to be able to deal with hectic situations when they are around a lot of people at once. Bacchus is spunky and friendly - a perfect companion for the nursing home residents.

"I can see that he brightens their day. Some people have had dogs, so they appreciate when we visit because they cannot have one of their own in their current situation," says Catherine.

The other real benefit is for people who cannot verbally communicate. Bacchus reaches them in a different way.

"We've made special relationships in the last five years," says Catherine. "It's really heart-warming to see him as an important part of their community."

Constanza Zalba

At Microsoft's Redmond, Washington headquarters, women from all over the world gather every two years for a leadership and development conference geared towards the company's thousands of female employees.

Constanza Zalba was able to attend this conference early in her career and wanted to bring this type of event to Canadians. Constanza was floored by the experience. The conference was motivational and discussed key topics for women, such as advancement in a predominately male industry such as technology, flexible workplaces, and the need for work-life balance.

In 2007, Constanza and a group of likeminded women launched the Microsoft Canada Women's Conference, attracting women from offices across Canada.

The Canadian conference followed a similar format, and allowed audience members to ask questions to senior female managers.

"It's an event for a diverse cross-section of women at Microsoft," says Constanza. "Whether you are wondering how to balance a family and a career, or whether you are just starting out and need more information about career development."

Constanza's role in the career development of Microsoft Canada's female employees doesn't end at the conference. Through her participation in the Women's Club@Microsoft, she has volunteered with JobStart, one of the recipients of Microsoft Canada's Community Technology Skills program grants. JobStart provides technology and skills training to recent immigrants. Constanza has volunteered in their community Job Fair event by helping job-seekers - primarily recent immigrants, women, and students research and apply for job opportunities right on site, thanks to the computer lab donated by Microsoft Canada.

"This was the first time many of these individuals actually applied for something online. Some of them hadn't used a computer or were scared to use them."

"Computer skills are something we take for granted. It really doesn't take that much out of your day to give a little bit and share what you know. The minute you step sideways, you learn so much more than when you step forward in the same direction."

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