When Texans safety Justin Reid was contemplating his latest philanthropic involvement, he kept coming back to the importance of technology. Especially during the coronavirus pandemic.
So, Reid formed a partnership with H-E-B and Microsoft to provide 20 Microsoft Surface tablets to area medical students in cooperation with Texas Medical Center hospitals. Reid gave out tablets to three of the students Monday at the InterContinental Hotel Medical Center. Students submitted videos describing their goals in medicine and how they would utilize the technology.
Reid interacted with H-E-B CEO Scott McClellan on social media before making the pledge initially to 10 medical students. When Reid and the Texans reached out to Microsoft, the company matched Reid’s gift for a total of 20 tablets.
“The importance of technology in this pandemic can't be undervalued right now,” said Reid, whose family hosts a weekly Zoom video call. “It's the thread that's holding a lot of us together. In some ways, it’s made families closer. I’m big on philanthropy and giving back. These are excellent students who are going to attack the world with what you’re going to do in the future. It happened so organically. Scott did the Tweet. We exchanged contact information and then Microsoft was able to get us 20 tablets. That was really, really cool. One of the reasons I wanted to do this was I saw an opportunity with the pandemic going on to make an impact with some medical students because they're really the heroes on the forefront and they're going to be the heroes the next time a pandemic happens.
“I just wanted to do my part to help build the community. Why am I passionate about doing this? I'm passionate because I know how much a lending hand can help somebody really achieve what they want to achieve in their life. I didn't get to where I'm at on my own. I had a host of people around me to support me, encourage me, provide resources to give me knowledge. The best way I can thank them and pay it forward to them is to pass on and try to help my fellow community members to achieve goals. It means as much to me as I'm sure it means to them.”
Reid is also involved in the community with Kids Meals Houston, Candle Lighters and Big Brothers Big Sisters. Putting this project together in less than a month gave the former Stanford standout optimism about future endeavors.
“We have an awesome cast of people around me,” said Reid, who thanked Microsoft, the Mayor’s office, McClellan and publicist Tamara Washington. “When you have a common goal, it’s easy to do it. It’s very encouraging for future things I want to do for the city. It’s very encouraging to see that happen.”
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