Before reaching its fifth “birthday,” RC Cares – the philanthropic arm of the Russell Cellular – reached a major milestone, having raised more than $1 million to benefit communities across the country. Three years later, RC Cares is still making a tremendous impact for causes and people nationwide, with a fundraising total of nearly $1.5 million to date and thousands of projects completed.
“The concept was – and still is – to give back and make a difference in people’s lives,” says Ron Wallace, Director of RC Cares. “This is what Jeff (co-founder and CEO of Russell Cellular) and Kym (co-founder) have always done. It’s their heart – they laid this foundation!”
That first million went a long way in helping citizens in communities everywhere, even a modest number of RC teammates facing calamity. The sum included donations to Russell Cellular’s Employee Emergency Fund, which directly supports qualified employees in dire circumstances.
“To me, there is no greater feeling than working for a company that you know has your back,” said one District Sales Manager. “I don’t know where I would be without the help from my RC family and the Employee Emergency Fund after my accident. The EEF allowed me to focus more on my healing instead of stressing about my financial burdens.”
One reason RC Cares remains successful is that it allows RC team members to support causes that matter to them personally. When employees observe a need in their community, they can create a fundraising project to help address it. As Wallace noted, this flexibility gives the local Russell Cellular teams “ownership” – and an opportunity to meet needs unique to their community.
To fund projects, the company created “Hedgie” PopSockets and tech wipes that are sold in all RC stores. (Hedgie the Hedgehog is the company’s iconic mascot.) Proceeds from these sales are banked for the local store to invest back into their local community through RC-approved outreach projects and events.
RC Cares also responds to aid requests from reputable institutions in communities. For example, Russell Cellular employees have helped Habitat for Humanity construct 10+ houses for individuals and families around the country, and support of the American Heart Association is ongoing.
Today RC Cares remains a key component of Russell Cellular’s culture of caring for customers, employees, and their communities. Compassionate RC employees still overwhelmingly support the initiative with enthusiasm through voluntary labor and regular contributions.
“It’s our culture,” said Wallace. “It’s who we are.” The spirit of compassion and generosity seems to be shared at the company at every level and location.
While the company’s philanthropy and charity might not impact everyone, results have been life-changing for many people and other creatures who’ve been relieved, aided, uplifted, and supported along the way. RC Cares will continue pursuing this calling to help even more people, causes, and communities as the company reaches into new regions. Special thanks to everyone who has or will participate in RC Cares – from customers to teammates – and to Russell Cellular for its remarkable leadership and support.
#RCCares #CareForEveryPerson #BetterTogether #GivingBack #CommunityImpact
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