This month, we are excited to showcase Salesforce in this 25 Years blog series. Since 2011, Salesforce has been a steadfast supporter of Project Sunshine, bringing joy and healing through play to over 60,000 pediatric patients and families. They have actively participated in Here to Party in-hospital events and Kits for Play activity kit-packing experiences. In 2023, we dug even deeper by launching our Sunshine Central platform for volunteers on Salesforce, which will ultimately allow us to reach more patients and families.
We took some time to ask the Salesforce team a few questions about our 13-year-partnership. Read more about Salesforce's remarkable work with us:
How does the Project Sunshine mission align to Salesforce and why is it important for Salesforce to serve in this way?
Project Sunshine's mission to bring the healing power of play to children with medical needs aligns seamlessly with Salesforce's commitment to using business as a force for social good through our 1-1-1 model. Since 2011, Salesforce employees have worked with Project Sunshine, demonstrating their integrated philanthropic approach and encouraging over 3,500 employees to contribute 55,000 volunteer hours. This collaboration not only showcases Salesforce's dedication to community impact but also enhances employee morale and company culture by actively engaging them in meaningful volunteer activities that directly benefit over 60,000 pediatric patients and families at medical facilities around the country, including UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospitals.
How has your team been able to use our activity kits to engage clients?
The Project Sunshine activity kits are an incredible way for Salesforce employees to converse and strengthen relationships with our customers while giving back to the community and highlighting our values as a company. At many events and conferences in the past, we’ve set up volunteer stations within our expo booths where customers and partners can pack activity kits alongside Salesforce team members, giving them the opportunity to form stronger connections and share a positive experience that benefits a greater good.
How do you envision our collaboration evolving in the future?
It’s been an honor to help Project Sunshine on its digital transformation to extend the reach and impact of its volunteer-led programming. Salesforce is committed to helping our customers and partners drive positive change and we are excited to continue to work alongside Project Sunshine to strengthen local community relationships and reach even more children and families in need.
And a few words from Stephanie Glenn, Executive Vice President at Salesforce and Board Member at Project Sunshine:
Can you describe a memorable moment throughout the work you've done with Project Sunshine?
As a board member, seeing the Sunshine Central platform go live has been such a highlight. With the help of the entire Salesforce platform, pro bono work from our research and UI/UX teams, and implementations tools from our partner, Silverline, we were able to bring together the best 1:1:1 model for Project Sunshine to scale their organization and impact the lives of patients and their families.
What is the most rewarding part of working with Project Sunshine?
The ability to impact kids and their families through the power of play is so rewarding for patients and volunteers alike. I have absolutely loved participating in the in-hospital volunteer opportunities in the past, and forming connections with the Project Sunshine community.
We deeply appreciate Salesforce's steadfast support throughout the years. From organizing kit-packing events at major conferences, off-site meetings, and in their offices nationwide, to brightening a child's day in a hospital with arts and crafts, Salesforce has shown unmatched dedication to our mission. We are excited for continued collaboration and look forward to even more opportunities to bring joy and play to children and families together.