Ecolab: Featured Bridging Partner

By Kris Taylor and Alexa Hoekstra, Ecolab Foundation in collaboration with Kris Kielsa, Ecolab; Joel Bisser and Beth Smith, Bridging

For nearly 20 years, Ecolab and the Ecolab Foundation have been dedicated to making a difference in the communities where its associates live and work. Through financial support, volunteerism, and hands-on engagement, Ecolab has developed a deep-rooted partnership with Bridging, an organization that empowers people to thrive in their homes by providing quality furniture and household goods for those pursuing housing stability.

“Our company culture is one of engagement and relationships, with customers and our communities, and team volunteering is a frequent event for many of our associates,” says Kris Taylor, Vice President of Global Community Impact and President, Ecolab Foundation. “Bridging is a wonderful organization with a mission that resonates with our associates, and they love volunteering to support that mission.”

Ecolab’s partnership with Bridging began in 2007 when the nonprofit became an Ecolab Foundation community partner and received its first grant. Since then, what started as a $5,000 general operating grant has grown into a multifaceted relationship. To date, Ecolab has provided nearly $300,000 in direct grants, with an additional $66,600 contributed through associate donations, matching gifts, and volunteer efforts.

Ecolab associates have embraced Bridging’s mission wholeheartedly, participating in hands-on volunteer events such as dresser builds, household essentials drives, and other collection initiatives. Over the years, these activities have become a staple of Ecolab’s culture of service.

Alexa Hoekstra, Senior Program Manager of Global Community Impact, manages Ecolab’s volunteerism in the Twin Cities.

“Our main objective is to support associates in serving their local communities,” says Alexa. “We seek opportunities related to housing, food, and other basic needs. Bridging addresses many of these areas by providing home essentials, helping people thrive.”

“Through its partnership with Bridging, Ecolab not only assists families in starting anew but also fosters a spirit of service among associates through financial contributions, volunteer hours, and innovative ways to give back.”

Dresser builds have been a favorite group volunteering activity for the Ecolab team.

“Associates like seeing something tangible,” she notes. “The dresser they build in the warehouse today, will be in someone’s home tomorrow.”

Last year, associates gathered at three different dresser build events at Ecolab, Bridging’s Bloomington Warehouse, and the Vikings Omni Hotel to sponsor and build more than 200 dressers in total.

“Our Bridging Community Giving event was a remarkable success, bringing together Supply Chain associates to build dressers for local families in need,” said Nicole Stagg, an Ecolab associate and volunteer event organizer. “This initiative not only strengthened community bonds but also demonstrated our commitment to making a positive impact and spreading kindness throughout our community—plus, we had a great time doing it!”

Additionally, in December 2024, Ecolab provided a $21,000 matching grant tied to its annual holiday party, further reinforcing its commitment to Bridging’s mission.

Kris Kielsa, Ecolab Executive Vice President and General Manager of Institutional North America, is a seven-year Bridging champion and board member who has been instrumental in motivating an increasing number of Ecolab associates to participate in Bridging’s important work.

“Bridging’s story is so easy to tell,” he says. “There are resources to get people into housing, but people still need furnishings to live comfortably in their homes. The need is so real, and it’s a piece that could be forgotten without Bridging. The little things are the big things — having a dining table where a family can have dinner together [and a comfortable bed for a good night’s sleep].”

“It’s just so simple to remind someone of Bridging’s vision that everyone lives in a furnished home, and ask them to participate by giving their time, money, and household items.”

2024 was a landmark year for the Ecolab-Bridging partnership with 300 Ecolab volunteers serving almost 700 volunteer hours in various hands-on projects and fundraising activities including Bridging’s annual Gala and the Bedrace for Bridging.

Bridging’s Community Engagement Coordinator Joel Bisser works closely with the Ecolab team to coordinate meaningful volunteer experiences that support Bridging’s mission.

“Year after year, Ecolab and the Ecolab Foundation raise the bar, demonstrating their tremendous and multifaceted partnership through volunteer engagement and generous financial support. Their team makes a significant impact on Bridging’s operations and the families we serve. We look forward to partnering with this civic-minded team for years to come.”

As part of its ongoing support, Ecolab stepped forward in 2024 to sponsor a 20-foot truck for Bridging’s new Plymouth location which opened in March 2025. This truck will play a crucial role in helping Bridging collect and distribute essential furniture and household goods to individuals and families who furnish their homes.

“We fully believe in Bridging’s mission, and sponsoring the truck was another way for us to show our pride and support for their incredible work,” says Taylor. “It was a fun and rewarding project, made possible by collaboration between our teams and Bridging’s leadership.”

Ecolab’s commitment to Bridging aligns with its broader community impact strategy. In 2024 alone, Ecolab contributed $21.7 million to global communities, with $5 million supporting education, basic needs, and job training programs. With 78% of grants supporting underserved communities, Ecolab continues to drive positive change in the places it calls home.

Thank you, Ecolab team, for your partnership and incredible community impact!

Interested in sponsoring a dresser build or essentials drive? Learn more.