This year, as we have done for the past 10 years, Red Hat associates took an active role in selecting a worthy charitable organization to be the beneficiary of our holiday U.S. corporate donation. During the process, they nominated nearly 40 charities and more than 1,100 associates participated in the final vote. For our 2017 corporate holiday donation, Red Hatters have chosen to support Americares with a $75,000 donation that will contribute to the organization's efforts to provide health-related services for areas affected by poverty or disaster.

Americares is a health-focused relief and development organization that saves lives and improves health for people affected by poverty or disaster. Each year, Americares reaches an average of 90 countries and all 50 U.S. states with life-changing health programs, medicine and medical supplies. Since it was established nearly 40 years ago, Americares has provided more than $15 billion in aid to 164 countries, including the United States. 

This year, Americares emergency teams have responded to hurricanes, earthquakes, and flooding in the U.S. and around the world. Right now, Americares relief workers are delivering emergency medicines and medical supplies for affected families, collaborating with local partners to meet urgent needs and restoring health services for survivors.

Our corporate donation to Americares represents only one of the ways Red Hat and our associates participate in charitable work and support important causes throughout the year. To extend our associates' reach and encourage their passions, Red Hat matches the qualifying contributions our U.S. associates make to eligible charities through our ongoing matching gifts program.

We're thrilled and proud to support Americares, and thank the organization for its inspiring efforts to provide life-changing health services and support to areas in need.