Map for Good –
Charitable Causes
Answering more than calls. Answering needs.
We believe in giving back.
Whether it’s our neighbor down the street that could use a hand or a child in need on the other side of the world, philanthropy is part of our DNA. Check out some of the causes we currently support and have supported in the past—and how we strive to make a positive impact where it’s needed most.
Beyond the Orphanage
As an Australian airline pilot living in Hong Kong, Geoff Hucker first visited Africa and Nepal just over 10 years ago. He spent time at an orphanage and was struck by the dire circumstances the children faced. He went back a month later and found that one of the kids had passed away. That touched something in Geoff and he began flying back to visit the kids on his days off just to help out. He soon realized that the orphanages there, and the institutions within them, were struggling to really improve the lives of the young people. That’s when Geoff figured there had to be another way. So after much research and planning, he began his own charity called Beyond the Orphanage.
Today, the nonprofit helps children in developing countries break the cycle of disease, poverty, and exploitation by using a foster-care/kinship model. Instead of housing children in shelters or institutions, the goal is to place them with loving guardians—and support that family with education, healthcare, clothing, counseling, and more. So far, thousands of children have already been supported by Beyond the Orphanage, and their goal is to continue increasing that number by providing for one child at a time.
To learn more about Geoff’s story and Beyond the Orphanage, please watch these great videos.
How Map Got Involved
By 2010, a friend was adamant about introducing us to Geoff. They shared a little bit of his story with us, and we honestly thought it sounded too good to be true. But we agreed to a meeting so we could find out what this guy and his charity were all about. It didn’t take us long to figure out that Geoff is the real deal and that we wanted to be a part of his amazing mission. So we re-prioritized some things and decided to help fund his efforts.
For over a decade, Map Communications was the primary financial supporter of Beyond the Orphanage. We’re always eager to spend time with Geoff and see the incredible difference he’s making.
Casual for a Cause
Each week, Map Communications runs an optional casual dress day. In order to join in, participants have to pony up! All the money collected doesn’t go to funding our holiday party or fueling the break room’s snack drawer. It’s donated to a rotating list of nonprofit organizations close to our hearts.
Some months we keep the donations local, and some months we’ll match funds or send a check far beyond our state borders. Each year, we take part in Casual for a Cause as a way to support causes we care about—whether that’s the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia or the Pink, Michigan Water Crisis. We love this program not just because it helps us give back—but because it brings us together.