Beyond solving complex IT situations, one employee is stepping up to save endangered animals — the Giant Pandas.
Brad B. of OneNeck IT Solutions has found his passion helping pandas. Outside of being a supervisor within OneNeck’s Service Operations team, Brad dedicates his time to volunteering with Pandas International. OneNeck IT Solutions is a subsidiary of Telephone and Data Systems, Inc.
In 2010, Brad went to China to visit the Panda Reserves. His interactions with the pandas had a major impact. He said, “I always had a passion for animals. Then, when I met the founder of Pandas International, I already had an admiration for the work of her organization, which led me to get involved.”
Pandas International is dedicated to helping the Giant Panda, a vulnerable animal with less than 2,000 left in the world. The organization works with China’s government conservation groups to help ensure the Giant Panda population doesn’t die off. Their work helps pandas living in the wild, as well as those living in captivity. In fact, a certain number of pandas need to be in captivity in order to ensure they don’t become extinct. Pandas International does everything they can to help including planting Bamboo; donating medical supplies like incubators and ultrasound machines; and providing doctors and training for doctors.
After his first visit to China, Brad returned a second time — for two weeks. He said both trips were incredible experiences. “Seeing the dedication of the entire staff was remarkable as well as being up close to such amazing creatures, while getting to feed and care for them was truly an unbelievable experience.”
After his trips to China, he’s expanded his involvement with the organization. Now on the board of directors, Brad serves as the Information Technology Consultant. In this role, he oversees the spending of the funds donated to the organization. He also makes recommendations on what technology should be used.
In the last year, Brad has watched the Giant Panda be removed from the endangered species list and placed on the vulnerable species list — which is good news for the Pandas. However, it doesn’t mean the organization’s work is done.
Brad explains, “I think we can feel proud of our partnership with China and the progress made for the pandas. Their habitat in the wild is expanding, and we have seen success reintroducing captive pandas back into the wild.”
By Ann McGrail, TDS intern
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