Industry Focus
Security in Every Language
- By Ralph C. Jensen
- Jun 01, 2015
Security knows no boundaries or borders.
Security comes in a multitude of shapes and
sizes, but mostly security touches everyone
in the world that we inhabit. There are some
things happening within the security industry that are
really making a difference, such as Mission 500.
Approximately 700 children are being sponsored
in Mexico through this amazing program, which
launched within the security industry in 2007. Mission
500 is a non-profit group dedicated to serving the
needs of children and communities in crisis. The driving
organization, World Vision, has achieved goals
nothing short of outstanding: $.86 of every $1 goes
directly to the needy. This is considered one organization
with low management overhead among charity
organizations.
The name, Mission 500, was set as a goal for the
number of children to reach. The security industry
has passed that goal and now sponsors about 1,000
children–nearly 700 in Mexico alone. Because this viable
charity has been introduced to the security industry,
many segments have returned their good fortunes
to those in need: associations, distributors, individuals
and manufacturers.
Efforts include helping needy children and communities
by providing a sustained flow of food, clothing
and education to those who might otherwise be
malnourished, diseased or without the necessary
skills to provide for themselves and their families.
During the middle of May, I attended Expo de
Seguridad in Mexico City. Our goal is to roll out an
electronic newsletter for readers in Mexico, Central
and South America. It will be in Spanish. While at the
tradeshow, Mission 500 had a kiosk outside the main
entrance. The kiosk was accessible to show attendees,
and by the end of three days, 127 new sponsors had
been signed up.
This kind of work and dedication is impressive.
During Expo de Seguridad, two children who have
been directly affected by the charity’s goodness stood
before the group at a gala dinner, thanking each one
for the support they have received. On the other side,
Eduardo Zapiain, partner and project manager, LOGEN,
told attendees about his company’s support for
Mission 500. He said everyone from top management
to the office cleaning staff have made personal or
joint commitments to support a child.
Here’s where it gets good. Alan Forman, president
and CEO of Altronix, pledged $10,000, provided that
other attendees match with a commitment to sponsor
at least 40 children. Local distributor, Tecnosinergia,
agreed to sponsor 20 children, and one by one, attendees
placed a flower on the “Tree of Hope,” signaling
a sponsorship. Forman’s wish was granted as 47 additional
child sponsorships were placed.
“It is wonderful to see what the industry in Mexico
is able to achieve by coming together to address
the needs of children, especially when you see leading
companies that compete vigorously in the market
come together for a cause like this that impacts all
concerned,” said George Fletcher, a Mission 500 volunteer
and advisory board member who was present.
During the same event, the show organizers, led
by Andrea Ferrando, Expo de Seguridad show director
and executive board member for Mission 500, presented
a check to World Vision Mexico for $10,000,
containing part of the proceeds raised from the sales
of gala dinner tickets. All this comes following ISC
West, where more than $120,000 was raised.
“We are proud to continue partnering with Mission
500 and all of the security industry in Mexico to
make an impact in the lives of children here, by providing
security and support for basic nutrition, health
and education,” Ferrando said.
Is there anything more important than giving a
child a hand up? No, there isn’t. Mission 500 is doing
amazing work, and making a difference in the lives of
many children. It is impressive and heart-warming to
know people care so much for so many little ones.
This article originally appeared in the June 2015 issue of Security Today.
About the Author
Ralph C. Jensen is the Publisher/Editor in chief of Security Today magazine.