The Call of Duty Endowment Fund (CODE) has been a huge success, securing over 25,000 jobs for military veterans.
The original goal for CODE was to secure 25,000 careers by 2018 for veterans, a goal it reached two years ahead of schedule. “The Endowment’s efforts have had a direct and positive impact on the lives of so many who have given so much,” said Bobby Kotick, CEO of Activision-Blizzard and Co-founder of CODE.
"Our veterans – with their wide variety of skills and backgrounds – move into many different careers," stated Dan Goldenberg, Executive Director of CODE. "A few examples are information technology careers, teaching, transportation, supply chain, etc. We tend to focus on jobs that lead to careers—sustainable, full-time employment."
Kotick stated that the next milestone for the fund is to place 50,000 veterans to new careers by 2019.
CODE, which was created by Activision-Blizzard, provides funding for ten different organizations that help match veterans to new job opportunities. The non-profit organization has raised over $18 million in grants since it was launched in 2009, with Activision-Blizzard donating a further $21 million. All of the grants help these organizations place veterans at one-fifth the cost of federal programs, roughly $596 at the average cost-per-placement according to Activision-Blizzard.
“Veteran unemployment and especially underemployment are real and under-recognized problems in this nation - and they’re only going to get worse as our military continues its drawdown." stated Goldenberg. "One of the best ways to meaningfully thank our veterans and help them reintegrate into society is to help them find a stable job, and we’re so proud to be able to help with that.”
Some of the organizations listed as recipients include Hire Heroes USA, the Veteran Staffing Network, and CASY.
Quick Take
Just like the EA charities and Extra Life, any form of charity with games attached to it is always a good thing for people who need it. Folks may say this is just good publicity for Activision-Blizzard, and of course that's true, but it doesn't really matter in the end so long as people are being helped of course. It is a proverbial win-win for everyone involved.
It is also good to see Call of Duty attached to something good, considering how it has become the punching bag of the gaming industry as of late for its big budget exuberance. With the CODE fund helping so many veterans, such stories really help in boosting the more positive side of video games and game companies.
What do you think though? Leave your comments below.
