Get Into the Spirit of Giving with CES Cares!
With Thanksgiving just around the corner and Yuletide carols already in the air, CES Cares — the social impact division of City Electric Supply (CES) — is encouraging everyone to get into the holiday spirit by giving back! In our mission to help local communities and nonprofit organizations through fun and engaging initiatives, we’ve gathered some ideas for what you can take part in to help spread joy this season.
Battle of the Beards
Currently, CES is in the midst of finding out who will be the next champion of our 9th annual Battle of the Beards competition to help raise awareness nationwide for men’s health during Movember.
Votes for the best beard are taking place on Instagram and Facebook until November 26, and every like, comment, and share on Facebook will help raise up to $3 for the American Cancer Society (ACS) and CES will match $10,000 in donations. Last year alone, over $9,700 was raised for the ACS.
“A little friendly competition can drive big results in charitable giving,” said CES Cares Social Impact Manager Karen Gray. “When branches, teams, or individuals challenge each other for a great cause, the impact multiplies.”
Last year’s Battle of the Beards champion, Counter Salesman Matthew Herrera, was happy not only to win but also to be part of something bigger for a great cause.
“I’m thrilled to have participated in and won last year’s Battle of the Beards competition. It was an incredible experience that brought everyone together for a good cause,” said Herrera.
12 Days of Giveaways
CES is also preparing to kick off our upcoming 12 Days of Giveaways North American campaign in an all-new way from December 12-23!
With the help of industry-leading vendors, CES is giving participants 12 opportunities to win a $1,000 gift card when they follow, like, and comment on Facebook or Instagram.
Plus, CES will donate $100 to a nonprofit of each winner’s choice, meaning 12 Days of Giveaways provides participants an opportunity to give back just as much as they receive.
Serving at The Bridge
Every first Tuesday of the month, CES team members in the Dallas, Texas area are invited to come out to The Bridge, a Homeless Recovery Center, to help serve those in need of a hot meal.
“CES Cares continuing to commit their time and talents in our meal services for Guests of The Bridge every month is powerful because it is critical to their comfort and leads to powerful experiences that leave an incredible impact,” said Dr. David Woody, CEO of The Bridge.
Even though meal service at The Bridge takes place all year long, providing nourishment during the holidays means a lot more to those who may not have a home or family to lean on.
CES South Texas Toy Drive
For the fourth year in a row, over 40 branches within six districts in South Texas are gearing up for their holiday toy drive. Each branch will host bins to collect toys for six local charities so that children in need can receive gifts for the holidays.
“It’s an opportunity for each of us to give back to the communities that give so much to us,” said Regional Manager Nate Jefferson, who started the toy drive in 2020.
Last year, the regional toy drive collected 300 toys from Austin branches, 350 toys from San Antonio branches, and 635 toys from Houston branches that were donated to various local organizations — plus a $1,000 donation to Make-A-Wish®!
Palm Coast Toy Drive
For the first time last year, Outside Sales Rep. Michael Eaton got CES Palm Coast in Florida involved in donating toys to children in need in partnership with The Flagler County Sheriff’s Office (FCSO).
Placing a toy bin inside of the branch, team members and CES Cares jumped in, helping to decorate the bin and encouraging customers to participate during the holiday season. One customer even donated a brand-new bicycle!
“Events like these helped me a lot when I was younger. Someone gifted me my first bicycle through a toy drive. I still remember what that felt like, and it brings back memories,” said Eaton. “My family and I get involved with the FCSO toy drive each year. It’s something we truly believe in.”
We can’t wait to see how this toy drive makes an impact this year.
Wired To Run
CES Global CFO Phil Flaherty is also preparing to give back to a good cause — by training to run a half marathon! He is participating in the BMW Dallas Half Marathon on December 15 to raise funds for Make-A-Wish®.
Although Flaherty has taken on this challenge before, he is encouraging other CES team members to join him and make a difference in children’s lives.
“Not only will this be a great opportunity to get active and have fun, but it’s also a chance to make a meaningful difference for Make-A-Wish and help grant life-changing wishes for children facing critical illnesses,” said Flaherty.
How you can help
Feel inspired to give back during the holidays with CES Cares? Check out our previous blog Top 6 Tips For Fundraising Success to see how you can make a difference all season long.