In 2010, as a “Pink Tie Guy,” Stuart Aitken, CEO of dunnhumbyUSA, sported a pink tie whenever he went out to community events or special corporate outings as a way to show his support for the Susan G. Komen for the Cure of Greater Cincinnati and to improve awareness about breast health and speak about the importance of early detection.
Aitken and his family often lead the way and actively participate in events, such as the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life walk. It’s through this kind of leadership that dunnhumbyUSA, a relevance marketing company, decided to create the Helping Hands program in 2006. Formed with a mission to organize and support activities for dunnhumby employees and family members to make a difference in their local community, the program is not just restricted to Cincinnati. Employees in regional offices in Minneapolis, Chicago, Atlanta and New York actively participate in national and local activities, as well.
The program has grown in size and stature and is deeply embedded within the dunnhumby culture. The success of the program has even caused dunnhumby offices in Europe and India to start a program.
What makes Helping Hands special is that employees get to vote on what charities and causes the company supports each year.
In 2010, dunnhumbyUSA showed support and helped raise money for causes and organizations, such as the American Cancer Society, the Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, the FreeStore Foodbank and the Ronald McDonald House to name just a few.
In the spring of 2010, 40 dunnhumby employees walked in the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life and the company served as a platinum sponsor of the event. Their efforts helped raise more than $11,000 for a cause that touched each of the participant’s lives.
Dunnhumby employees also showed support by helping with the FreeStore Foodbank’s Pack-A-Thon event as 175 employees helped by volunteering their time and making a donation of more than $4,000.
At the Ronald McDonald House, dunnhumby employees from Cincinnati and Minneapolis offered their time to cook for the families that stay there. In 2010, Dunnhumby contributed more than $8,000 to the Ronald McDonald House. The Helping Hands program allows employees and the company to be recognized as a leading organization that demonstrates and lives their values in their communities.
HOW TO REACH: dunnhumbyUSA, (513) 632-1020 or www.dunnhumby.com
