Responding to the pandemic, several tech companies in Newfoundland and Labrador have joined forces and raised more than $200,000 to launch the Closed Door, Open Heart initiative.

The campaign encourages companies and individuals who are in a position to help to give generously so that communities can survive to open their doors together after Covid-19. 

The campaign began with a tech sector task force, facilitated by NATI, the Newfoundland and Labrador Association of Technology and Innovation. In a statement, the partners said that businesses whose employees can work remotely are uniquely positioned to provide support to community organizations and charities. 

“We consistently see that our local tech community is willing to work together for the greater good whether it is through monetary donations or in-kind support for the Covid-19 response,” NATI Chief Executive Paul Preston said in a statement.

Companies are asked to donate an amount (in cash and/or in-kind) equivalent to between one and three months of expenses that would otherwise have gone unspent because travel and entertainment are not currently possible. It asks companies to partner with employees to support local and/or global causes.

One of the charities identified for support by training software company Bluedrop Performance Learning is the Hungry Heart Café, a social enterprise initiative of the charity Stella’s Circle. The corporate donation will purchase nutritious meals to help vulnerable individuals and families.  A local taxi company will be engaged to deliver the meals.

“This support enables the Café to maintain supported employment and address food security concerns of Stella's Circle participants who are increasingly at risk as the pandemic continues,” said Rob McLennan, Director of Employment Services at Stella’s Circle.

Participating businesses and employees are encouraged to decorate their doors and post photos on social media with the hashtag #closeddooropenheart.