News –

NORD Gives Back: Empowering Success Through Long-Standing Community and Company Initiatives

NORD places strong emphasis on giving back to their communities with year-round efforts benefiting local charities and support organizations.

WAUNAKEE, Wis., 2025-12-23

As a family-owned company, NORD DRIVESYSTEMS knows the power of community and the importance of giving back. Having experienced steady growth over the years, the company is able to support local organizations, sponsor fundraising events, provide scholarships, and more. NORD donates to a wide range of organizations that focus on physical health, mental health, children’s advocacy, and general support resources for those in need.

One organization NORD proudly sponsors is Food for Kidz, a non-profit group celebrating 2 decades of combating hunger by providing over 4.3 million meals to those in need both locally and around the world. Each year, Food for Kidz hosts a meal packaging event in Waunakee, Wisconsin, NORD’s North American headquarters, where volunteers measure ingredients, weigh portions, seal bags, and box nutritious meals to be sent to hungry families. NORD has been a Platinum Sponsor of the event for the past 4 years, with employees taking time out of their weekends to volunteer at the in-person event. In 2025, the goal of 300,000 meals was surpassed by over 23,000 – the meals were then delivered to seven local food pantries, as well as to the Ukraine and Haiti relief efforts.

Throughout the years, NORD’s Relay for Life team has hosted several events to raise money for the Waunakee Relay team. These donations assist local cancer patients and caregivers, provide financial assistance for local programs, and help fund cancer research. Past events include a luminaria tribute wall for National Cancer Survivor Month, where employees donated to receive a luminaria that they decorated in honor of friends and family members who have been affected by cancer. NORD also holds a yearly silent auction with all proceeds benefiting Relay for Life. Their largest silent auction included over 100 donated items including electronic gadgets, tools, grills, and even full-size kayaks. The team also raises money through employee raffles, holiday bake sales, and monetary donations.

As the holidays draw near, NORD holds an annual company-wide drive to support the local food pantries in Waunakee (WI), Charlotte (NC), Corona (CA), and McKinney (TX). This interactive drive provides friendly competition between departments with emphasis on the most critically needed items such as infant formula and shelf-stable soups, fruits, and vegetables. NORD consistently donates well over 1,000 lbs. of food each year from this event alone.

Another program NORD supports during the holidays is the Waunakee Rotary Lights display. For over 20 years, the Waunakee Rotary Club has put on the Rotary Lights, a cherished holiday tradition that harnesses the magic of the season with 300,000 feet of twinkling lights that the community comes together to enjoy. NORD has been sponsoring and donating to the event for 15 years with several employees being highly involved members of the Rotary. All donations raised from the event are vital to supporting local initiatives, various community events, and global service projects.

In addition to sponsoring events throughout the year, NORD also provides monetary donations to organizations and programs including the Waunakee Lions Club, Hearts & Hands Food Pantry of Charlotte, Arboretum Dash at the Waunakee Arboretum Elementary School, Wisconsin Sheriff Organization, North Texas Food Bank, Waunakee students at the International HOSA Conference, Huntsman Cancer Institute, Waunakee Chamber Awards, Bowlin for Colons, Ronald McDonald House, UW Children’s Hospital Child Life Fund, and many more.

“As we look ahead, NORD’s commitment remains unwavering: we stand alongside those who need support and will continue to use our resources, expertise, and partnerships to make a meaningful difference,” states Shawn Liverseed, NORD’s Chief Financial Officer, “Together with our employees and local charitable organizations, we’re dedicated to building a future where help is accessible, compassion is actionable, and every effort moves us closer to a stronger, more supported community.”