To keep employees engaged, Northern Tool hosted an event every single day of their two-week giving campaign.  It’s the fourth annual campaign with Community Health Charities. The events centered on giving back to the community, and included impact speakers and volunteer activities benefiting partner charities. However, supporting the community doesn’t always have to be serious. The more lighthearted events included human bowling with tennis balls, candy grams, and birdhouse building for a charity partner.  Northern Tool hosted a “thank you” breakfast on the last day of the campaign to show appreciation for employee participation.

In addition to the daily events, Northern Tools’ team sent an email every morning updating employees on campaign progress and upcoming events. A fundraising thermometer in the lobby reminded employees of the progress they had made toward their goal, as well as the work that still needed to be done.  The owners of Northern Tool generously matched employee donations, as they have each year.

Northern Tool’s community focus doesn’t end with the annual giving campaign—it lasts all year. The company consistently provides outlets for its employees to work with the causes they care about. For example, full-time staff at Northern Tool  are given a paid day off every year to volunteer with a charity of their choice, plus the company hosts holiday drives to collect toys and donations for local charities and shelters.