Social Purpose Spotlight – Cadco, Ltd.

In NAFEM’s monthly Social Purpose Spotlight, one member company’s social purpose story is featured. Perhaps reading about the creativity and dedication of fellow NAFEM members will inspire you to start a program at your organization or provide some new ideas to enhance what you’re already doing.

This month we talked to W. Michael (Mike) Shanahan, Sr., president & visionary, Cadco, Ltd., Winsted, Conn. The company has been involved in outreach throughout their community for many years. However, Shanahan says, “since NAFEM gave more visibility to fighting hunger we’ve formalized our efforts and donate quarterly to our local food bank.”

Among the entities that Cadco supports are KidsPlay Children’s Museum in Torrington, Conn., a local charity golf tournament that benefits a variety of organizations, Northwestern Connecticut YMCA which has three active branches, and Connecticut FoodShare. In addition to financial donations, Cadco provided the Children’s Museum with foodservice equipment to enhance their ability to hold private events. Connecticut FoodShare is a food bank that supports individuals and families by distributing nutritious food through local partner programs to address hunger.

The Connecticut Children’s Medical Center in Hartford holds a special place in the Shanahan and Cadco families’ hearts. Every year, Cadco hosts a toy drive to help make sure every kid receives a toy during the holidays and beyond. The hospital uses more than 25,000 toys each year to explain a procedure, facilitate therapy, reduce stress, or celebrate a birthday or holiday.  Shanahan adds, “we’ve been holding the toy drive for about 10 years and our associates really look forward to it.”

The company takes advantage of quarterly all-employee meetings to update everyone on business and charitable opportunities. They open the floor for suggestions of charitable activities to support and to learn what organizations employees are supporting on their own time. It’s common practice for Cadco to donate to an individual who’s participating in a bike race, or to hold a pizza party to raise funds for a specific charity. And in addition to donating funds to the local YMCA, they pay half of the membership fee when employees want to join. Shanahan says, “it’s just how we treat our employees, and whatever we can do to help the community is important.”

Cadco is proud of its 25+-year legacy and has many employees with long-time tenure. Additionally, Hearst Media Services recognized them as one of its Hearst Connecticut Top Workplaces for the last several years.

If your organization is considering a social purpose initiative, Shanahan suggests, “Look at what motivates your employees and get behind it. All employees are important. When the company has a solid image in the community they feel proud and feel good about working here.”

NAFEM’s Social Purpose program, #NAFEMFightingHunger, is back for its fifth year, with a goal of raising funds to support 6.5 million meals for those in need. When members donate funds, food or volunteer time to their local Feeding America member food banks or any local food bank, NAFEM contributes matching funds. This year, NAFEM will match up to $300,000 of member contributions to local food banks. 

For ideas to start or enhance your company’s efforts, visit #NAFEMFightingHunger. If you have questions or would like to be featured in a future Social Purpose Spotlight, contact NAFEM Headquarters, +1.312.821.0201.