Perhaps it is the time of the year. Or maybe it’s because of the uncertainty and disruption occurring across the globe. But I’m seeing friendlier, more inspired passersby in Milwaukee and throughout other areas of the country I have recently visited. In fact, I just returned from a New York City trip and even New Yorkers were pleasant.
Our consulting and retail knowledge company, Hamacher Resource Group, has enjoyed its 35-year history right here in the greater Milwaukee area. And it is because of the incredible work ethic of our associates, the strong relationship with our clients across the country, and the philanthropic underpinning that our founder, pharmacist David Hamacher, instilled in the company from its inception, that we are truly passing it on this year.
As part of a unique “Random Acts of Kindness” gesture, company management invited employee volunteers to participate in a Random Acts effort for the holiday season. Each employee volunteer was given an envelope containing $30.00 with a simple mission – find a way to share this with others during the holiday season.
Although each approached it uniquely, all embraced the concept enthusiastically. From the associate who waited outside a parking lot at a local Goodwill store offering a dollar to each passerby, to one who bought donuts for their local fire station and donated the remainder to educational programs in the community. Another paper-clipped singles to items at the local dollar store; one individual prepared small envelopes with a Christmas card, a special verse, and $5.00 to be placed in an envelope and set atop pillows at a local rescue center. And then there’s the employee who offered it to a neighbor who was experiencing difficult times. And, with few exceptions, the original amount of money increased from the individual generosity of the associates involved in the Random Acts of Kindness.
The bottom line of this effort was not to put a spotlight on the philanthropic support of Hamacher Resource Group, but rather to demonstrate and participate in passing on goodness in the world because it only takes a moment to do so.
David J. Wendland is vice president at Hamacher Resource Group Inc. in Waukesha.
