TDS Telecom associates donate $25K to local nonprofits
Madison, Wisconsin (November 30, 2021) – TDS Telecommunications LLC (TDS®) associates selected three deserving nonprofits in TDS communities to receive a total of $25,000 in charitable donations. As a way to share their holiday spirit, TDS Telecom asked its associate resources groups to recommend deserving nonprofits and then associates made the final selection in a Charity of Choice vote last month.
4 Paws For Ability, an Ohio-based organization that provides service dogs to those in need, received a $12,000 donation after winning the most votes. TDS associates also voted to provide donations to Second Harvest Foodbank of Southern Wisconsin ($8,000) and Badger Honor Flight ($5,000), which are both based in Madison, Wisconsin. The organizations were among those recommended by TDS’ Associate Resource Groups and Diversity, Equity & Inclusion team.
Founded in 1998, 4 Paws for Ability, Inc., is a nonprofit agency with global outreach serving children and veterans with disabilities by providing service dogs to those in need. The training of a service dog is recipient-specific with a focus on Autism Assistance dogs, Mobility Assistance dogs, and Seizure Assistance Dogs, among others.
“What a wonderful year-end surprise gift from TDS Telecommunications. 4 Paws is honored to have the support of this generous group of employees who voted for us to receive this $12,000 donation," said Kelly Camm, 4 Paws Development Director.
Second Harvest Foodbank exists to end hunger in southwestern Wisconsin. Since 1986, the organization has put more than 100 million meals on the tables of the 1 in 10 southwestern Wisconsin residents who are facing hunger.
Badger Honor Flight, a regional affiliate of the national Honor Flight Network, works to ensure that World War II, Korean War, Vietnam War, and terminally ill veterans from any war have the opportunity to see the memorials that have been erected in their honor.
Helping the communities where TDS offers services is an important part of the company’s mission. In addition to the annual charity vote, TDS also provides associates with 16 hours of paid time off every year to volunteer at the 501(c)(3) organization of their choice through its Be Good Citizens program.
“The past two years have been filled with unprecedented challenges for all of us. I’m proud of our TDS associates for stepping up and helping these outstanding organizations that are working to make our communities a better place,” TDS Telecom CEO Jim Butman said.
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