Day of Giving: an inspiring story of companies and employees making an impact
Our supporter community continues to “wow” us with their innovative philanthropy! The teams at sister companies Mott Electric, 4th Utility and MTI are a great example of how employees and their leadership teams are bringing philanthropy into their work life to make an impact in their community.
At the three companies, the “Day of Giving” happens on the first Friday in December. Each employee commits to donating one hour of pay (some donate an entire day or two!) to support individuals, non-profits and charities that employees have recommended to their charitable committee. The companies then match the dollar value of each employee’s donation – which doubles the impact!
“Within the electrical industry we are lucky to be well compensated for our work - better than some other industries - and as a company, we want to give something back,” says Rob Brett, CFO of Mott Electric and a member of the charitable committee.
In 1997, Mott Electric’s first Day of Giving raised $4,445 and benefited two charities. On December 5, 2014, employees from the three companies donated 1,039 hours - a 30 per cent increase from the previous year! With the companies’ match, they raised a total of $97,697, helping twenty five charities and non-profits and many local individuals and families.
“When you think about what that can buy for people in need, it’s huge. Our donations put food on the table, buy clothes for families who have been stranded by fire, give support to kids with special needs, buy medicine, provide counseling… the list goes on and on,“ said Brett. “We like to keep a lot of the money close to where we work and have supported some of our employees’ families who have experienced significant challenges.”
“In my opinion the Day of Giving is so successful due to [the companies] matching the dollar amounts that the employees are willing to donate,” said Josh Lennax at Mott Electric. “This brings another element for people to donate more than they usually would have knowing that their $1 is actually $2 - and going to a much needed cause with minimal overhead, allowing the funds to get to those who can use them.”
“We are so proud and pleased that the employees of Mott Electric, MTI and 4th Utility give so generously of their time. It is fantastic that such a wonderful group of people are so willing to help others who are in greater need or in a serious health situation,” said Brett,
"Thank you to all the extraordinary employees at Mott Electric, 4th Utility and MTI for making a difference through your Day of Giving campaign. Your generous donation to the Rick Hansen Foundation will go to our Quality of Life program to help people with disabilities overcome the challenging barriers that they face and allow them to reach their full potential. Thank you for helping me and our team at RHF make a difference,” said Rick Hansen, CEO of the Rick Hansen Foundation.
From all of us at RHF, thank you Mott Electric, 4th Utility and MTI!
If you’re interested in starting a similar campaign at your place of work, RHF can help! Please contact Renée Eaton, Director of Community Giving at reaton@rickhansen.com for more information.
