I recently had a chance to sit down with Jed Ayers, CEO of Citrix Ready partner IGEL. Now I don’t always talk to the C-level folks. In fact, in my previous roles I tried to avoid it because you get the same questions over and over. “Did we actually hire you?” or “What is it you do here again?”

Maybe that’s just a “me” thing?

I don’t think it’s any surprise that IGEL was able to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic by keeping business continuity running smooth when stay-at-home orders were put in place. But what did surprise me was how quickly IGEL responded to the community and, specifically, to those in need. With their We Believe campaign, they have been raising funds for organizations in a very creative and imaginative way. Do you have your t-shirt yet?

And speaking of wrapping yourself up in positivity.

What’s on your Amazon wish list? I always thought Amazon wish lists were something used only during the holidays or special occasions. But that all changed when I spoke with my good friend and Citrix colleague, Jeanette Golden. She told me how charitable organizations are using Amazon wish lists as a way for people to donate and support some amazing causes.

Did you know this? Or am I the last person on earth who didn’t know this?

According to Jeanette, these Amazon wish lists operate the same way as your personal wish lists. The charity creates a list of items, on Amazon of course, that they need in order to support the causes they champion. For example, if I’m a supporter of GiGi’s Playhouse, a down syndrome achievement center, I can donate items right from their wish list to help support them. I can donate through smile.amazon.com, or some charities have their “wish list” button right on their websites. It really is as easy as shopping on Amazon.

During these trying times let’s remember the words of Antoine de Saint-Exupery: “La seule chose qui compte, c’est l’effort.”

The one thing that matter is the effort.