It’s always nice to hear about companies doing social good. But, when a brand as large as Comcast goes above and beyond to make real change in local communities, it’s definitely something to take notice of. For the past 16 years, Comcast has been organizing the largest single-day corporate volunteer effort in the United States. It’s known as Comcast Cares Day. The 2017 Comcast Cares Day took place April 22, 2017 at the Sutro Elementary project in San Francisco, CA and I was there. What an experience!
2017 Comcast Cares Day — 16th Annual Event
We had to be on-site to check in at 7:30am and the entire project lasted until noon. Attendees included Comcast employees and their families, parents and students, and local volunteer groups. After a safety meeting and introductory program, everyone got to work. The beautification project involved cleaning, painting, organizing, weeding, planting, and more around the school grounds. It was amazing to see so many of different ages and nationalities working together on this.
Comcast Cares Day was first held back in 2001 with some 6,000 volunteers working on 110 project sites. In 2016, though, over 100,000 people participated on 930 sites in 20 countries. This added up to almost 5 million hours spent with $20 million in grants given out. Staggering numbers, right?! This year, the 16th annual Comcast Cares Day continues the tradition of giving back. Thousands of volunteers around the world rolled up their sleeves to improve the community. Just in California, 16 different projects were happening. And, in the San Francisco Bay Area, Sutro Elementary was chosen.
2017 Comcast Cares Day — Sutro Elementary
Out of all the areas that needed help, what made Sutro Elementary stand out? Mostly, it’s due to pleas from school principal, Myra Quadros. She mentioned that the school serves 260 students but that 65% of the families live on the poverty line or below. “The work you’re going to do today would never happen if Comcast had not chosen us for Comcast Cares Day,” said Quadros. That’s why this opportunity to improve the school was so welcome.
2017 Comcast Cares Day — APA Heritage Month Start May 1st
Sutro Elementary has a long history and represents the diversity of San Francisco. It is situated in the Inner Richmond District with many families of Asian descent. Known as “second Chinatown” or “new Chinatown,” the location was perfect to draw attention to Asian Pacific American (APA) Heritage Month, which starts May 1st. During the event, Comcast donated a grant to the APA Heritage Foundation. This will aid in educating students throughout San Francisco about the special month and contributions of those in the API (Asian or Pacific Islander) community.
Comcast Cares Day also marked the start of the “Educational Mural Project.” Comcast, its partners, and community leaders joined together to paint a mural designed by local artist, Dave Young Kim. This mural will be formally unveiled during the San Francisco Mayor’s API Heritage celebration on May 1, 2017. It will then be exhibited in several San Francisco schools throughout the month.
2017 Comcast Cares Day — Community Good
Out of all the projects going on in 39 states, Comcast Executive Vice President and Chief Diversity Officer, David L. Cohen, decided to visit the event at Sutro Elementary. Along with five other bloggers, I was able to interview Mr. Cohen about his connection to Comcast Cares Day.
It was such a privilege to be a part of 2017 Comcast Cares Day. I’m just starting to learn more about how involved Comcast is in giving back and I like what I see/hear. We’ve been Comcast subscribers for years and their Xfinity internet is what keeps me connected to you. But, now that I know the company provides digital services AND is actively involved in local community projects, I’m intrigued. I can’t wait to see what goodness is in the works from now through next Comcast Cares Day.
I was compensated by Comcast to attend this event and to write about my experience. All opinions are my own.
