By Matt Ellis
This summer, visitors to Stamford, CT saw a herd of unusual green animals spread across the streets and parks of downtown. There was a bear, a giraffe, a llama and even a T-Rex. The creatures were silent and posed no threat to public safety. They were topiaries designed to look like friendly animals and staged as part of an “art in public places” sculpture exhibit put on by the Stamford Downtown Special Service District (DSSD), the local business improvement district. Hedge Fun, as it was called, featured 16 sculptures composed of steel frames and covered with green shrubs, then illuminated with solar lighting. After their three-month display, the topiaries were auctioned off to help plant more trees in the city.
AffinEco’s United Services division was a bronze-level sponsor for Hedge Fun. Company President Paul Senecal noted three reasons for sponsoring this exhibit. “We supported the Stamford DSSD and CBRE, which is one of our customers. We also helped add to the beauty of downtown Stamford for everyone walking around town.”
Over the years, AffinEco has sponsored many different charitable organizations and initiatives, including the Boys and Girls Clubs and Marrakech, a New Haven nonprofit that supports individuals with disabilities. Senecal said organizations often contact the company seeking volunteers or financial assistance. He said AffinEco carefully considers different which opportunities are best for it to demonstrate its social responsibility.
“We look at whether the charity supports the markets we serve, or the community members we employ. Additionally, we want to support causes that are important to our clients,” said Senecal. “Charities that support childhood hunger are particularly important to us. There are many children in need whose families that cannot feed them. This is a very important issue for our community and we want to do what we can to help.”
In keeping with its goal of utilizing environmentally friendly cleaning supplies and procedures, AffinEco’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) practices focus on environmental efforts. Hedge Fun, which raised funds for planting trees and utilized solar power, was a good fit. It also enabled Senecal to add value to the DSSD, for which he volunteers time and resources.
AffinEco’s partner company, Pritchard, is also focusing CSR efforts on supporting communities in need. AffinEco is helping support Pritchard’s work with Habitat for Humanity in Boston, building and renovating homes for families in need of housing. “We are excited to participate in this cause with our colleagues at Pritchard, and look forward to engaging in new efforts.”