Today is a big day for technology lovers, and those who love to pay it forward. Personally, I consider myself to be part of both groups, which is why I felt compelled to share the news of today’s launch of Windows 10 – Microsoft’s newest operating system – that, starting today, allows consumers using Windows 7, Windows 8.1 and Windows 8.1 Phone to upgrade for free for a full year after launch, and will continue to be supported for the lifetime of the device, at no cost. Incredibly, to mark the launch of Windows 10, Microsoft announced that they will help 10 global and 100 local non-profits do more good by investing more than $10 million in cash and technology investments to help support them!
Shedding light on, and supporting, charities and non-profits has always been very important to me, especially with the launch of my blog. I’ve always felt very strongly that if you are fortunate enough to have a voice with influence in the online world, you should use it to help others, and encourage readers and followers to help too. I love the @WindowsCanada hashtag #UpgradeYourWorld for making us stop and think about how we are making a difference on a daily basis.
Since launching my site nearly four years ago, some of my most memorable #UpgradeYourWorld stories have involved volunteering my time and efforts to help support local charities. Helping coordinate and host a clothing drive for one of my favourite charities in the city, New Circles, (which helps provide clothing to teens in need throughout the city) was most certainly a highlight I’ll never forget. While they do amazing work all year round, it is the Prom Boutique they set up once a year to help make sure every teen gets the chance to shop their dream outfit for prom that always makes me extra proud to support what they’re doing. In fact, when I modelled for Roots Canada’s #SweatStyle campaign last fall, I opted to make my charitable donation on behalf of Roots Canada to New Circles, as highlighted in the image above.
Recently I shared a number of posts to promote some of the initiatives of the SickKids Foundation. Scrubs In The City is their annual event that I have been attending for the past three years, and I was also excited to support the first ever All-Star Gala in support of the SickKids Foundation this summer. Often a ticket to a charitable event such as these works out to be about the same amount you would spend on a night out on the town. Considering you most often have access to all the food and drink you could ever want or need at these parties, I hope you will consider making charity events such as these a part of your social calendar when possible.
If you follow my newest website, The Chic Canuck, you may have also noticed our involvement in CAMH’s first-ever Darkness to Light campaign that took place at the end of May. As a team, we were over the moon to be hand picked by CAMH to help support their efforts and decided to host a workshop series to help raise money and shed light on mental health in Canada.
So how do you #UpgradeYourWorld on a daily basis? Big or small, it pays to be mindful of others whether it’s holding the door open for someone, or getting involved with your first charity event. If have ideas and tips for how to #UpgradeYourWorld on the regular, please share below! I’d also love to hear of your favourite charities in Canada so I too can learn more about them and get involved.
And don’t forget to upgrade to Windows 10 for free as of today!
Xo
The post Celebrate Windows 10 and Discover How You Can #UpgradeYourWorld appeared first on Gracie Carroll.