Donaldson recently launched its Safety Shoe Program in partnership with Saf-Gard Safety Shoe Company, reinforcing the company’s ongoing commitment to workplace safety and employee support. To kick off the program, Saf-Gard’s Mobile Shoe Store (“Shoemobile”) visited two centrally-located Donaldson communities, giving maintenance team members the opportunity to get professionally fitted for their safety footwear in a convenient, on-site setting.
Throughout the day, maintenance professionals from across the company gathered to select new boots using their $125 annual safety shoe allotment, connect with peers from other communities, and enjoy time together outside of their daily routines.
Teresa Lucas, Training & Employee Engagement Manager, who coordinated the initiative, shared that the day reflected exactly what the program was designed to do. “It was great to see how happy and appreciative everyone was. For some of our team members, this is a benefit they haven’t had before, and it really makes a difference. It was also a great opportunity for technicians from different communities to spend time together and connect.”
Photos from the event showcase the energy and impact of the day, from teams gathered in front of the Saf-Gard truck to individual technicians proudly holding their new boots. At Queenstown, Teresa joined maintenance team members for a group photo, with teams from 16 Donaldson properties coming together and more than 60 pairs of shoes distributed.
For many team members, the program was more than just a new pair of boots, but a meaningful investment in their day-to-day work. As Eddie Booker, Service Manager at Country Place, shared, “It was a great experience. I was really surprised the company gave us this. It helps keep us in good shoes. The ones I got are so comfortable, it doesn’t even feel like a work shoe.”
The event also created an opportunity for connection, bringing together maintenance professionals from different communities in a way that doesn’t often happen. Eddie added, “We were able to spend time with technicians from other properties. You don’t usually see everyone together like that. It was uplifting and really positive.”
The response across the company was overwhelmingly enthusiastic. Maintenance team members were excited to receive new shoes for the season and expressed appreciation for a benefit that directly supports what they do every day, especially for those who have worked for companies that did not offer similar programs or were previously relying on last year’s shoes.
Donaldson’s Safety Shoe Program ensures that all maintenance team members have access to safe, durable footwear through multiple convenient options, including in-person fittings, Saf-Gard retail locations, and an online ordering portal. As Donaldson continues to prioritize both safety and employee experience, this program stands as a clear example of investing in the people who keep communities running every day.
