Software for a cause

A few months ago, the company that I work for and the division that I work in introduced me to an amazing charity. IBM turned 100 this year, and as part of the centenary celebrations they invited each of their employees to pledge some time for causes. They called it a ‘celebration of service’.

Truth is that I’ve been looking for an opportunity to use my software skills to help communities and with this initiative I have an amazing opportunity. The charity is called ShelterBox. They respond to natural disasters by shipping pre formulated boxes each of which contains amongst other things a tent, cooking equipment, blankets.

If all goes to plan, I’m going to lead a small team to develop an iPhone app for ShelterBox. We’re going to wire the app to social media with the aim of offering another platform for ShelterBox’s supporters to understand and share how they’re helping people in need.

It is a learning experience on so many fronts. I’ve had to work with lawyers and executives internally to make sure that I do this by IBM’s rules and standards. At times it can be frustrating, but it is also a life lesson – learning how to cover ourselves, learning how to keep pushing.

The ShelterBox team are wonderful. Let’s hope we can push this along.