Strengthen your team and impact the world: World Vision puts a new twist on teambuilding experiences for businesses

Caregiver Kits and SchoolTools provide school and living supplies to children and families

FEDERAL WAY, WA (June 24, 2009)—As the economy has tightened, high-end sales meetings have gone by the wayside. Companies continue to look for innovative and less expensive ways to build teams, have fun, and do good all at the same time. World Vision has created a dynamic opportunity for businesses to inspire their co-workers, and band together to make a difference in the lives of children and families in need. In a short period of time, employees can assemble anywhere from 500 – 5,000 kits, which will dramatically change the lives of the children and families who receive them.

Caregiver Kits and SchoolTools provide children and families locally and globally with school and living supplies. Corporations participating in these events can make a lasting difference in the lives of at-risk or AIDS affected children and families.

Companies such as McKesson, Microsoft, American Express and Goldman Sachs have participated in these events. Each has seen a positive impact on their employees.

"Trying to pack these kits together is a great bonding experience and will be remembered clearly on many occasions. Most importantly, we are doing some tremendous good for the impoverished people in the world who really need this help," said Akhtar Badshah, Microsoft Sr. Director of Global Community Affairs.

Caregiver Kits provide life-sustaining supplies to volunteer Caregivers assisting those suffering from HIV and AIDS around the globe. Since the program’s start in 2006, more than 190,000 kits have been assembled by about 815 groups around the United States. The kit’s contents include antibacterial soap, latex gloves, petroleum jelly, oral rehydration salts, antifungal cream, and other critically needed items.

SchoolTools puts much-needed backpacks and school supplies right into the hands of kids in our local communities. Participating helps at-risk children in the United States and around the world earn something we often take for granted – an education. SchoolTools kits consists of a backpack, pens, pencils, notebooks, folders and other basic learning needs that are paid for and assembled by the organization where the event is held.

What corporations have to say about World Vision Team Building:

"I can't tell you how many people have told me how good it makes them feel that our company would dedicate time and money to do something like this" Brian Tyler, President, McKesson Medical Surgical

“It was an absolute pleasure to play a small role in helping others around the globe. It made me feel proud to be in healthcare as a McKesson associate.” Ron Simpson, VP Sales, McKesson Medical Surgical

“I will never forget seeing the entire sales force coming together for such a worthy and significant cause.” Jeff Butler, Account Manager, McKesson Medical Surgical

“My daughter, on her own initiative, took a little four year old by the hand. He had been wandering around clutching a shirt that was way too big for him and she helped him find the right size. That’s the kind of thing you want to see your kids doing but this is the only way to really teach it." Troy Deason of UPS, when asked what the most touching moment during their kit build was.

“It’s hard to find a company [that] supports helping others during our free time, let alone the work day…I can’t think of another company I would want to work for.” Microsoft employee during a kit building event.

For more information on Caregiver Kits and SchoolTools visit: www.worldvision.org/wvcarekits and www.worldvision.org/SchoolTools.


World Vision is a Christian relief and development organization dedicated to helping children and their communities worldwide reach their full potential by tackling the causes of poverty. We serve the world’s poor regardless of a person’s religion, race, ethnicity or gender. For more information, please visit www.worldvision.org/press.