Small Company – Huge Impact

Sitting in an early 2015 Sales Meeting, the group of Account Executives at Matrix discussed what they would like to achieve as a group in 2015, a New Year’s resolution meeting in some ways. The group of 10 sales professionals collectively stumbled on the topic of giving back to the community and increasing community engagement.

Matrix has traditionally focused its philanthropic efforts on at-risk youth and children’s athletics, and though that is a wonderful cause, the team wanted to experience a more hands on approach to charity. Spearheading a food drive seemed like a great project – one that would also get the team out talking with neighboring businesses.

Food banks traditionally have a hard time in the spring – people are so generous in the summer and at the winter holidays, and then donations fall off sharply come late winter/early spring. The benefactor of the Food Drive was North Clackamas Schools’ Wichita Center for Family & Community. The Wichita Center does great work every day and not just with their food pantry. They have a family support center, Head Start, dental screening and hygiene classes, mental health services, and a “backpack” program to provide weekend nutrition for students in need.

As part of the Matrix Networks game plan, the Sales Team targeted neighboring businesses along International Way, where Matrix has held residence for close to 20 years. The team was overwhelmed by the generosity. When we delivered over 800 pounds of non-perishables, the center told us that it was “more than the Oregon Food Bank sends them for Thanksgiving.” The food donations ran the gamut from apple sauce to peanut butter to wild rice. We had giant cans of chocolate pudding and individually wrapped fruit roll-ups and everything in between! In addition Matrix Networks employees also donated over $130 for non-food items like shampoos, soaps, and other toiletries.

It is the philosophy of this company that compassion should not reside solely around the holidays. It is our job as members of the business community to think not only about the bottom line, but how we can help those less fortunate year round. For more pictures visit our Face Book page or inquire at info@mtrx.com to see how you can help.