Verkada Expands AAPI Security Camera Donation Programme to Chicago

Early in 2021, Verkada launched the AAPI Security Camera Donation Programme to combat the rise in anti-Asian hate crimes, which increased by 73% nationwide. In response to the violence, Verkada began the initiative close to home in the Bay Area by donating $100,000 worth of security cameras and software to Asian-owned or affiliated businesses seeking enhanced protection. To date, the $100,000 camera donation has allowed for an initial 100 cameras to be deployed in Asian-owned businesses across the Bay Area — providing businesses with an extra layer of security.

As the initial $100,000 pledge is deployed across the Bay Area, we are proud to announce that Verkada will donate an additional $100,000 in security cameras and software licences to AAPI-owned organizations that are seeking enhanced protection in Chicago. 

The programme's expansion is driven by continuing attacks (1, 2) amidst waning media coverage and mounting concern over the personal safety of vulnerable populations ⁠— especially among elderly Asian Americans. As the rise in Asian hate persists throughout the United States, we asked our community where we could help support next. In response, our employees consulted their networks and we were introduced to various businesses in Chicago through the SBDC (Small Business Development Center) at CMAA (Chinese Mutual Aid Association). With the help of these organizations we have been able to allocate 40 of the 100 cameras pledged, some of which have already been installed. 

At the CMAA, our objective is to serve the needs and enhance the well-being of immigrants and refugees of all generations, including small business. With the alarming rise in violence against our community, it is vital that we have a strong first line of defence against these acts of hate. Verkada’s security camera donation will help deter crime before it happens and aid the police in catching the aggressor if an attacker does strike. We hope that the donations provide these business owners with some comfort and empower them to stay open through these already difficult times. And beyond the donation of security cameras, SBDC at CMAA staff will support our small business clients through advising and connection to other financing. - Chettha Saetia, Director of Illinois SBDC 

The programme was started by a group of Verkada employees in April 2021 who were grappling with the unprecedented levels of violence that Asian Americans were facing. Committed to providing this community with additional protection they spearheaded the initiative that has now grown to multiple cities across the U.S. and has provided many businesses with increased safety measures. 

Hearing the pain and fear of our Asian family members pushed us to act. We know first hand how Verkada can help create a safer environment which is precisely why we came together to launch the donation programme. We were so happy to see the positive response from the community in the Bay Area and are ecstatic to see it grow nationally.  - Phoebe Chan, a founding team member of the Verkada AAPI Donation Programme

All AAPI-owned or affiliated organizations are invited to apply directly through the donation page: https://www.verkada.com/aapi-security-camera-donation-program/