“This new charity status is incredibly meaningful because it allows Mission 500 to partner with more organisations than we could previously to achieve our goal of improving the lives of children in the U.S. on the local level,” said George Fletcher, Advisory Council Member/Volunteer, Mission 500. Our goal is to advocate for children living in poverty, be a catalyst for excellence in corporate citizenship and mobilize individuals and companies in the industry to generate resources and volunteer.”

Since 2007, Mission 500 has teamed with the security industry to raise more than $2.5 million in cash and more than $800,000 in gifts in kind. The organisation’s premier fundraiser is the annual Security 5K/2K Run/Walk held each year at ISC West. Earlier this year, Mission 500 raised more than $95,000 through the Run/Walk and a number of other events held during the 2016 show. This year’s proceeds were used to support children in the U.S. through the Rebuilding Hope at Home programme, which helps provide academic scholarships, school supplies, and essential items like clothing, personal hygiene supplies, and building materials, as well as disaster response and training for community organisations to empower young people.