Give A Little Bit: JanSan Professionals Join Forces With Cleaning For A Reason

Since the organization got underway, Cleaning For A Reason has made quite a name for itself. The network of professional maid services, its sponsors and its supporters, have all gained significant attention from the media, both on the local level and on the national scene.

The foundation has been featured in publications such as Chicago Tribune, Reader’s Digest, Ladies Homes Journal, as well as news programs, including Dateline. Even the queen of television, Oprah Winfrey, has featured the foundation. 

The media limelight has provided Cleaning For A Reason a wider platform from which to share its cause, and has attracted high-level sponsors, such as The Procter & Gamble Company and Walmart, along the way.

The brands recently collaborated to put a pink mop on the shelves of the mega-retailer. A portion of the sales proceeds will benefit the foundation.

Within the jan/san world, the organization has given professionals a unique opportunity to make a difference within their own industry.

“It’s such a great fit for building service contractors,” says Sardone. “Most people want to use their business to do something good. It’s so nice to get involved with a cause that keeps the spotlight on their own industry.”

For Tom Heveron, president of Beachland Cleaning in Vero Beach, Fla., joining forces with Cleaning For A Reason was more than a business move — it provided a collective opportunity for Beachland’s 90-member staff to give back together.

“One reason I did it was that my mother died of cancer and my wife is also a survivor,” Heveron says. “So, I know firsthand what the patients go through, and what the caretakers go through, because I’ve been there.”

Heveron has taken Beachland’s involvement with the foundation up a few notches. Besides offering free cleanings beyond the minimum of serving two patients, the company also holds fundraisers, applies for grants and helps recruit maid services in an effort to boost the cause.

“Businesswise, we are recognized as a charitable company in this area,” Heveron says. “It’s a good stigma to have. But, there’s nothing more gratifying to me than being able to help.”

Heveron also found a theme song for the organization.

When one of his favorite rock singers, Roger Hodgson, formerly of Supertramp, came to town, Heveron tracked him down and convinced him to allow Cleaning For A Reason to use his famous record, “Give A Little Bit,” royalty-free.
The rocker was given an appreciation award for his generosity. 

BSCs and other jan/san industry professionals can get involved by supporting the organization through monetary donations and sponsorship. The funds are used to operate the non-profit’s day-to-day operations, as well as application review and recruitment, Sardone says.

Some distributors and manufacturers, for example, host Lunch & Learns with local maid services to help get them involved in the organization. Other business owners implement employee contribution programs, or host fundraisers.