CENTRAL POINT, OR; In October Dogs for Better Lives (DBL) participated in Microsoft’s annual October GIVE campaign on their headquarters campus in Redmond, WA. DBL was one of four charities selected to participate in this year’s event, Network for Good Social, which provided an opportunity to share about the organization’s mission, local impact, all while engaging local employees in a brief volunteer opportunity.
For the nearly 100 employees that came through during the event, many took advantage of stopping by and helping to create 32 braided chew ropes (cloth) that will eventually be shared with dogs in training on DBL’s west coast campus in southern Oregon.
Merlin playing with a cloth chew toy, handcrafted by Microsoft employees during their annual Microsoft GIVE campaign, Network for Good.
Microsoft employee and Change Agent Jacob Orchard was instrumental in engaging DBL in the Network for Good Social, as well as showing off his braiding skills on the dog chew toys completed. Over the last year, Jacob has also been engaged as a member of DBL’s Regional Advisory Board – Pacific Northwest, supporting the organization’s mission through participation in local events to raise awareness and help promote and recruit for new puppy raisers, among other opportunities.
“October has long been recognized as the month of giving for Microsoft employees, and with this year’s Network for Good event, it is gratifying to see DBL once again have the opportunity to participate,” stated Microsoft Change Agent, Jacob Orchard. “My experience as a volunteer with DBL has greatly enhanced my understanding of their vital mission and the profound impact their Service Dogs have in improving the lives of individuals with disabilities.”
The Change Agent Program activates Microsoft employees to empower nonprofits to digitally transform and address society’s biggest challenges by leveraging Microsoft giving, skilling, and technology offers and resources.
Joining Jacob for the event was Microsoft’s Kellie Green, who also serves on DBL’s national board, and her husband David Bond who is currently raising his fifth puppy Jerry for the national nonprofit. Vice President of Operations Trish Welch and Vice President of Development Harvey Potts both represented DBL at the Microsoft GIVE event.
“We are deeply appreciative of Microsoft’s continued generosity and steadfast support of Dogs for Better Lives,” stated CEO Bryan Williams. “From our signature event, Bone AppeTREAT earlier this year, to the major computer donation in June, participation in Hackathon in September, and now the Network for Good Social, we are truly grateful for the ongoing partnership and commitment to our mission.”
Microsoft employees are passionate about giving to address the issues facing their world. Further, it’s part of their culture and how they live their mission. In fiscal year 2025 Microsoft employees have contributed $263M and over 1.2M volunteer hours, supporting 37,000 nonprofits in 110 countries. In Washington State alone employees have donated $91.8M to nonprofits and 499,0000 volunteer hours. https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/corporate-responsibility/philanthropies/employee-engagement
