PayPal today launched Opportunity Hack - its first-ever charity hackathon in Ireland.
The event held at Dublin’s Castleknock Hotel saw 15 teammates from PayPal’s offices in Dundalk and Blanchardstown build and develop digital resources for five Irish charities over a 24-hour period.
The tech specialists were a mix of computer programmers and those with expertise in software development including graphic designers, interface designers and project managers.
The hackathon resulted in new websites for the National Exotic Animal Sanctuary, Dundalk Dog Rescue and BeLonG To, a non-profit for LGBT young people. PayPal teammates also helped Move4Parkinson’s digitise its dance classes and streamline its database.
Prizes were awarded to the best projects delivered within the 24-hour hackathon with the team behind The Jack & Jill Children’s Foundation’s project winning the top spot. The PayPal techies built the charity which provides funding for families of young children with brain damage, a bidding app that could be used for a public art auction.
Speaking about the hackathon, PayPal’s new Head of Global Operations for Europe, Middle East and Africa, Maeve Dorman said, "This latest charity initiative reflects our strong commitment to support the communities in which we operate. Our teammates in Ireland have great technical skills, and it is wonderful to have the opportunity to apply them and address real problems for local charities."
Source: www.businessworld.ie
