Spotlight on Our Partnership with CRITERION
At Kids Around the World, we’ve learned that when compassion meets capability, the results can be extraordinary. That’s why we are proud to celebrate our ongoing partnership with Criterion, a company whose mission and heart continue to resonate deeply with ours.
For over 40 years, Criterion has been a trusted leader in consulting services for medical equipment planning, equipment placement drawings, procurement assistance, and logistics coordination. Their expertise supports healthcare providers, universities, government agencies, and design teams around the world. But what sets Criterion apart is not just their industry excellence—it’s their commitment to people.
“Criterion’s core value of ‘people matter most’ guides our team to seek partnerships with organizations that focus on improving the lives of our fellow humans, both near and far,” shares Mindy Nickerson, Director of Marketing & Business Development at Criterion.
Guided by this foundational value, Criterion consistently chooses to Give Freely – finding ways to extend their impact beyond the boardroom. Their company culture, grounded in the importance of “caring,” is evident in initiatives they support, including those that uplift and serve vulnerable populations.
One such collaboration took place in remote tribal regions of Thailand, where Criterion joined forces with KATW and Venture Missions to support refugee children through the power of PLAY. A playground was built at a local school, providing a safe and joyful environment for children affected by displacement, poverty, and even human trafficking.
“With Kids Around the World being in our own backyard, but also offering opportunities to serve locally and globally, they are a perfect partner to help us live out our values,” says Nickerson.
Through this hands-on work, Criterion team members didn’t just sponsor an initiative—they participated in something simple yet profound. This playground became a space for healing, laughter, and community.
But Criterion’s generosity doesn’t end there. Back home in California, their team hosts meal-packing events to provide nutritious meals to children, families and communities—demonstrating that success in business and caring for others are not mutually exclusive.
“Through meal-packing events, community outreach, and international playground builds, this partnership creates meaningful opportunities for team members to serve together and make a tangible impact,” Nickerson adds.
These actions embody the heart of Criterion’s mission—a broader commitment to generosity, service, and connectedness. Whether overseas or close to home, the company lives out its values through every touchpoint of this partnership.
“These values go beyond project work and speak to the heart of who we are as a company,” concludes Nickerson.
As we look ahead, we are filled with gratitude for partners like Criterion. They are a testament to the power of unity between business and mission-driven organizations.
Their dedication—evident in both packed meals and playgrounds built—reinforces what we already know: when a company believes that people matter most, the impact can reach around the world.