Combining Our Loves of Recycling, Community and Hockey

Written by Margaret Finley, Director of DEI and Head of Corporate Affairs

My work at ADS brings me in contact with people from all walks of life, from all different backgrounds and from many parts of the world. As head of corporate affairs and director of DEI, it is no secret that I believe those differences can combine into something truly magical, to make us as a community more than the sum of our parts.

I was reminded of that recently on a hyper-local level after our ADS hockey equipment collection and sale, part of our partnership with the Columbus Blue Jackets. I am not a hockey player, but I appreciate the value sports can bring to our society — especially to children. And I know that the cost of equipment can be a barrier for some would-be athletes and their families. 

While cultural, racial and ethnic diversity matters a great deal in our business and society, economic diversity matters, too. Especially in a sport like hockey with all its pads and skates and sticks, it can be the difference between a family being able to provide the opportunity to play, or having their kids sit out. That’s where our equipment sale comes in. 

For the second year, we collected new or gently used hockey gear from players across central Ohio, where we are headquartered. We gathered skates, sticks, helmets, padded pants, pads, gloves and more. And then we open the doors for families to browse and peruse. Most things cost less than $25, and the money raised goes to support the Columbus Blue Jackets Foundation, which is dedicated to supporting the health and wellness of children in Central Ohio.

The sale has the added benefit of giving new life to old gear — recycling it to be used again and again. As North America’s largest plastics recycler, ADS knows a thing or two about recycling, and we are also deeply committed to sustainability. The equipment sale is just one more effort our company makes around these initiatives. 

All told, the 2022 equipment sale recycled more than 1,500 pieces of hockey gear, raising $7,860 for the Columbus Blue Jackets Foundation, dedicated to promoting and supporting youth health and wellness in central Ohio.

Our goal at ADS is a better society for future generations and improving the quality of life for all. I am delighted to see that goal playing out on the ice for families across our community.