the giving campaign

Every October, Microsoft sponsors a Giving Campaign. Employees are encouraged to donate to charities, either with money or by volunteering their time. For many charities, Microsoft matches the donation made by the employee. If you volunteer your time, then the Microsoft match is a cash match, $17 per hour. We've just completed the annual Giving Campaign, and more than 80% of my fellow MacBU employees donated to their favourite charities during the campaign.

Personally, I divide my charitible giving between two groups: KQED public radio and RAINN. I donate to them because I think that they are each providing an important public service, and I want to support their work. My donation is through an automatic payroll deduction. For me, this deduction is just as important as the deductions for my retirement savings.