Employees donate over $16,000, matched by company

Children who are suspected victims of child abuse in Clackamas County received a show of support when Wilson Construction Company donated nearly $33,000 to Children’s Center’s work to help these children heal.

Children’s Center received $32,800 from Wilson Construction Company, half of which came directly from employees. Most employees who donated gave through payroll deductions offered by the company, and gifts were matched 100% by Wilson Construction.

The donation will support Children’s Center’s efforts to serve hundreds of children and families impacted by child abuse. The Center has received nearly $70,000 from Wilson Construction and its employees since they made their first donation in 2008. The most recent gift was its largest gift to date.

According to United Way, 75 percent of employees say it is important that the company they work for helps the community. And 65 percent think it is important for a company to offer employees the option to give to charity through payroll deduction. Three out of four consumers say they have a more positive image of a company or product when it supports a cause they care about.

“We’ve seen how giving back to the community is beneficial for both the charity and for our employees,” said Wilson Construction Corporate Secretary Kim Wilson. “I’m so proud of the way our employees have stepped up to help vulnerable children, and I’ve seen how giving back helps build morale and increase teamwork.”

As Clackamas County’s sole agency providing medical evaluations, forensic interviews and family support services to children who are suspected victims of child abuse and neglect, Children’s Center plays a vital role in ending the trauma of abuse for local children. Children of all ages and socio-economic backgrounds are referred to Children’s Center for suspicion of abuse.

“What the employees and owners of Wilson Construction have done is truly remarkable. This gift is a testament to what companies and their employees can accomplish when they unite for a mission like ours,” said Children’s Center Executive Director Barbara Peschiera. “They have set the bar for companies across our region.”