Proforma Employees to Receive Toms this Holiday Season

As a show of employee appreciation and charitable giving, Cleveland-based Proforma will give every Proforma support center staff member a Toms gift card this holiday season. With every product purchased from Toms, a retailer of shoes, sunglasses, apparel and more, it will help a person in need.

“We wanted to not only thank our support team for the hard work and dedication they show our owner network all year-round, but we also wanted a way to incorporate giving to underprivileged families,” said Brian Smith, president and chief operating officer of Proforma. “Toms empowers our employees to continue the giving. Their ‘One for One’ program means with every purchase our team members make, a person in need is getting a new pair of shoes, eye care, access to safe water, healthy birthing resources or bullying prevention services.”

Since 2006, Toms has given more than 45 million pairs of shoes to children in need in more than 70 countries.

“We were inspired by the Toms business model and how they are able to use their sales to help improve the lives of those less fortunate around the world,” said Deanna Castello, Proforma’s chief marketing officer. “Their mission is right in line with the mindset we had going into this holiday season. Now, nearly 160 more children will receive shoes or another critical health service when our team members redeem their holiday gift.”

Proforma’s support center team members also have collected more than $3,000 in cash and gifts for several Cleveland-area underprivileged families. Team members purchased holiday gifts for six Cleveland children, and raised additional money through raffles and team events throughout the year.

“What impresses us the most about Proforma’s charitable efforts is that it is 100 percent employee-driven, and our team is working to raise money all year-round for those who need it most," said Kathy Mayo, director of human resources for Proforma. "It’s not just a December initiative. From sponsoring bingo nights and serving breakfast at the local Ronald McDonald House to coordinating a ‘Christmas in July’ summer raffle, the team is always working toward making a difference in the lives of others in our community.”

Proforma’s Tampa, Fla., offices have decided to join forces with A Kid’s Place, a local nonprofit organization providing foster care to neglected or abandoned children. Team members purchased gifts and necessities for children ranging from toddler age to young adults.

For more information about Proforma, visit www.proforma.com.