Natural Grocers has designated February as Crew Appreciation Month.
Throughout the month-long celebration, members of the Natural Grocers good4u Crew will be treated to gifts, giveaways, and exclusive discounts as a way for this family-operated company to say, "thank you for your valuable contributions."
From the beginning, Margaret Isely, Natural Grocers' co-founder, emphasized the importance of recognizing employees' individual talents and impact. She planted the seeds of benefits that continue today because she believed in expressing gratitude through action, according to the retailer.
"The adaptability, teamwork, and dedication shown by the Natural Grocer's good4u Crew during another year of unprecedented challenges is truly inspiring," said Kemper Isely, co-president of Natural Grocers, in a statement. "Our success in helping build healthier communities does not happen without this talented, passionate group of people. And we know that Margaret—who loved a good celebration and considered Crew to be her extended family—would enthusiastically approve of dedicating an entire month to showing Crew Appreciation."
This year's appreciation gift is a first-of-its-kind collaboration for the company with artisans from Peguche, Ecuador, including a single-mothers group. In Ecuador, 6 out of 10 women suffer gender violence, and the artisans of Peguche are trying to change this tragic precedent. An essential tool for empowering women is providing better opportunities to gain financial independence while caring for their children. The gift of artisan-crafted hats and scarves each crew member will receive helps support women who are often the sole-caretakers and providers for their families.
During the celebration, the festivities will include giveaways with prizes such as gift cards, High Sierra cooler backpack, Runa Yeti cooler, and NGVC Duffel Bag. Every Crew member will be entered in the giveaway, and the winners will be announced at the end of February.
Another highlight of the 2022 Crew Appreciation Month will be a donation of 1 percent of sales on February 14 to the recently launched Heroes in Aprons Fund. Established by Natural Grocers in 2021 in response to hardships created by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the fund provides financial assistance to qualifying Crew members or their immediate family members who experience unanticipated hardships.
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