Social responsibility is a business activity that is becoming increasingly recognized by the public. As consumers, we want to know that we are putting our money towards a place that will not only stand behind what they sell, but also put some of that wealth back out into the world for the greater good.
When a local business goes the extra mile to reach out and help their community, it shows a special kind of integrity and understanding that their community doesn’t end with their customers, but rather, extends to include every one of their fellow citizens. Ruffell & Brown is one of those businesses.
“…I liked the team and what they were trying to do…”
I had the pleasure of speaking with Nigel Brown, co-owner of Ruffell & Brown, a window coverings supplier that he started with his business partner, Deborah Ruffell, in 1987. The company is active in supporting the community through various charitable activities, which includes HeroWork. Ruffell & Brown has been the generous donor of all window treatments for every building in the last four HeroWork projects.
“Paul approached us about getting involved,” says Nigel, “and I looked at the project and it looked like a good fit, it was something we could provide some window coverings for…it went well and I liked the team and what they were trying to do, and we did all the rest of them now.”
“There is a difference in how much money churns around in your community if you support local business.”
Nigel takes pride in having a local-minded business in the community. He is on the board of Think Local First, a non-profit group of over 180 business owners in Greater Victoria that encourages people to consider local businesses as their primary choice. On what distinguishes local businesses, Nigel had this to say, “I think the difference between a solely or predominantly locally-owned business to a big box or department store or franchise is the money is all staying in town here…There is a difference in how much money churns around in your community if you support local business.” The result of this is greater economic sustainability in the community as the money spent remains in the local economy, rather than being distributed to remote head offices. In the case of Ruffell & Brown, this money is going towards worthy, local charitable causes.
Shauna Scott, an active HeroWork volunteer and employee of Ruffell & Brown, taking measurements at the CCC project.
Nigel’s focus on local values doesn’t end there. A busy man, he is also on the Board of Directors for the Victoria Chamber of Commerce and is a member of the Better Business Bureau, having been on its board as well as served as its President for a term. Through these positions, he has garnered countless relationships with local business owners and developed a thorough understanding of what defines a successful local business through relationship building and goodwill.
“You have to get out and get engaged. And the reward is that you build up your relationships with people.”
“The wonderful benefit of getting involved with the community is you get the satisfaction of getting involved with some sort of charitable or volunteer organization and the end result is that it does come back and you get rewarded for your efforts through friendships and some business…You have to get out and get engaged. And the reward is that you build up your relationships with people.”
A window covering may not be something the average person thinks all that much about, but they are essential for a number of purposes. They provide sun control, help with energy savings, offer privacy, and can even help establish a more comfortable ambience in a therapeutic environment. Ruffell & Brown’s contributions to the HeroWork projects are very important and appreciated.
At the moment, Nigel looks forward to the next HeroWork Radical Reno project at the Rainbow Kitchen. In the spirit of supporting local businesses, and especially those who give back to their community, you can find Ruffell & Brown, among many others, on the HeroWork Sponsors Directory.
