Safran companies make a difference in North Texas

October 23, 2020

Safran is committed to assisting communities and helping those in need. Giving back to society is one of the Group's core values. Safran Electrical & Power and Safran Seats have teamed up with United Way to support their neighbors in the North Texas area via employee fundraising. United Way is a nonprofit organization that advocates for health, education, and financial stability. Both companies have been recognized as “Pacesetters” by United Way for their dedication to raising funds to put back into the local community. 

Safran Electrical & Power Denton: supporting the community

United Way of Denton County strives to help children and families succeed; guide and serve veterans and their families; advocate for mental health; and make homelessness rare, brief, and nonrecurring. Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, many people have suffered paycheck cuts and job losses. As a result, United Way has shifted its focus to help with eviction prevention – providing funds to help local residents pay their rent. 

Since 2013, Safran Electrical & Power has forged a partnership with United Way to support the local community in Denton County, Texas. Each year, Safran Electrical & Power launches its primary fundraising event, the Employee Campaign. Last year, the company raised $65,000. In previous years, the campaign ran for several weeks and included fun events, such as a pep rally, a game day, raffles, and scratch-off tickets. Due to COVID-19, the event was reduced to a three-day philanthropic enterprise. “Dinosaurs” roamed the production floor to distribute donation forms to employees, reducing contact (and having fun) in consideration of the pandemic. 

This year, United Way launched Women United, a women's affinity group to help improve the lives of women and children in Denton County. Safran is the corporate sponsor for this mission and is dedicated to making a difference. In addition to fundraising, Safran Electrical & Power's employees volunteer with other United Way programs. 

Ashlie Bagley, Director of Human Resources at Safran Electrical & Power, sits on the Board of Directors for United Way of Denton County. Ashlie is a co-chair for United Way's Racial Equity Council and helped launch the initiative. Human Resources Manager and Campaign Initiative Leader Megan Garner participates in the Loaned Executive program, which is a community involvement initiative. When describing why Safran is involved with United Way, Megan stated: "We want to ensure that we support the local community, maintain a strong employee pool and are good corporate citizens."

Safran Seats Gainesville: making a difference

Safran Seats has partnered with United Way of Cooke County for the past 10 years. The organization strives to address social issues, such as health, education, and financial stability, and mobilize resources to create a better future for those in need. Safran Seats has raised over $60,000 for United Way of Cooke County through its employee fundraising in 2020. Additionally, the company has sponsored other United Way fundraising events, such as Power of the Purse – a ladies’ night out created to bring strong women together to make a difference.

When speaking about the most rewarding aspect of working with United Way, Crystal Filbeck, Executive Office Manager stated: “When donating to United Way, it gives our team a feeling of joy that we are able to do something that makes a difference in other people’s lives. Donating to this organization has allowed myself and my team to meet new people, and has given us a deeper insight into what is really going on in the world and our community. When we donate, we donate from the heart. We do it, not only because it makes us feel good, but because it is the right thing to do. The most rewarding part is knowing our contributions can spark change, make a difference in a person’s life, and ultimately, save a life.”

• Learn more about United Way and its mission in the United States.