"Life's most persistent and urgent question is, 'What are you doing for others?'"
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.  

Like many people, we at O-matic Software have been watching the tragedy in Haiti unfold and wondering what we else we can do beyond making simple donations. The images we see shock us from our complacency and call us to action, but we're not doctors or search and rescue professionals. We're just software developers, so what can we possibly do to help? Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. says that “If a man is called to be a street sweeper, he should sweep streets even as Michelangelo painted". Our software may not be a Cistine Chapel but, with Dr. King's words in mind, we're determined to make the best use of our talents and abilities and do something that makes a difference.  

Recently some organizations involved in Haiti relief efforts have contacted us regarding our Import-O-Matic software for the Raiser's Edge to help them quickly process the mountain of donations they have received. Some of our existing clients, like Mercy Corps and UNICEF Canada, are already using Import-O-Matic to help them cope with the sheer volume of contributions. Mercy Corps reports that Import-O-Matic has automated nearly 60% of their gift data entry, saying: "Import-O-Matic has been the absolute life-saver in our gift processing for Haiti. Without IOM, we would have been 4-5 days behind in data entry. It’s been a huge deal for us!"  

So, while not as heroic as bandaging wounds or freeing those trapped in the rubble, we've decided to help by opening up Import-O-Matic for free use by organizations directly involved in providing assistance and relief to Haiti for the next few months, as well as donate all the consulting time necessary for installation, training and configuration. It's not glamorous work, but if the improved efficiency helps organizations to better focus on their mission in Haiti it will have been worth it. Perhaps because of our actions an organization will be able to provide more meals or distribute more tents or treat more patients. We'll probably never know, but at least we tried something. If there is some way we can help your organization, please just let us know.

Sincerely,

Jeffrey W. Montgomery
Managing Partner, O-matic Software