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During a fundraising
drive last year,
employees donated
money to see their
managers dress up in
superhero costumes.
Managers had to wear
a superhero costume
for a day at work if
their team raised
a certain amount.
All the managers
ended up decked
out in superhero
gear for a day.
Supported charities:
Supplier SanMar focuses on supporting charities in the
communities where its employees live and work while addressing known issues
and challenges. Last year the company’s home office and eight distribution centers
worked with charitable organizations to help end homelessness. In the past, they’ve
partnered with organizations that provide family services and help combat hunger.
SanMar maintains long-standing relationships with some charities but is always on
the lookout for other deserving organizations in its local communities.
Program structure:
The company makes a point to communicate to all employees
in all of its locations about needs in each of its local communities. Then they develop
cross-functional committees to solidify plans and then broadly communicate
fundraising goals. SanMar takes pride in making it really easy and fun for its
employees to give. Fundraising events that employees participate in include chili
cook-offs, online auctions, “dress your leader as a superhero” and even tossing rolls
of toilet paper from the fifth-floor balcony. The company finds that a little friendly
competition among groups and teams at the office helps inspire employee giving.
While the company sought approval from leadership on the charities and timing for
fundraising activities, deciding on the fundraising events was really a grassroots effort
and employees were empowered to brainstorm with their teams on how to do raise
funds for a great cause.
SANMAR
Lee Strom, Vice President
of Marketing
What does giving back to this charity mean
to SanMar?
Our charitable giving ties back to
our SanMar Family Values, including “do the
right thing” and “make a difference.” It feels
really good to make a positive impact in the
communities where we live and work, and it’s
important to SanMar to be a good neighbor.
What advice do you have for other companies
that want to start a charitable giving program?
Put a face to the cause. Last year, a past
beneficiary of a youth homeless shelter shared
her very personal story. She spoke about how
the charity impacted her life and it was truly
inspiring. I think it made a huge difference
in the success of our two-week fundraising
event. And, of course, start planning your
events early, engage a hard-working events
committee, share your goals and communicate,
communicate, communicate.
What has been the most unexpected result
of your company’s giving program
? The team
unity and company-wide sense of pride from
giving back. Plus, the opportunity for people
who don’t generally cross paths to interact in
new and fun ways. We were surprised by the
level of giving last year and felt so much love
in each building. It was a very special thing
to be a part of. And we raised well more than
our goal, which was humbling.
FEATURE
|
The Heroes Among Us
38
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MAY 2017
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