Philadelphia Cleaning Industry Leader Celebrates A Decade Of Fundraising And Partnership With Cleaning For A Reason

Cleaning for a Reason, an ISSA charity, takes a unique approach to support those who are battling cancer.

Founded in 2006, the mission of Cleaning for a Reason is to provide at-home cleaning services, free of charge, to current cancer patients who are undergoing treatments or who need extra support. Cancer can make doing daily tasks more difficult, which is why the trusted network of local residential cleaners, cleaning volunteers as well as community volunteers come together to provide a clean home for those patients and their families.

Kathleen Albertson is a shining example of someone who goes above and beyond to make a powerful impact through Cleaning for a Reason.

Beginning non-profit work in the janitorial industry 12 years ago, Albertson got involved with Cleaning for a Reason by helping to recruit local maid services for patients, while working at Professional Building Services (PBS). PBS began subsidizing the monthly cost and supplies of cleaning patients’ homes for local maid services that partnered with Cleaning for a Reason.

Albertson quickly realized the impact that this charity has on those who are struggling to complete everyday household tasks, due to the severity of their illnesses. She immediately knew that this was a cause that needed more attention from the public, so she began fundraising events 10 years ago, collecting donations to be able to provide more cleaning services for cancer patients in the Philadelphia area.

The success of her past fundraising, and seeing how she was able to further the impact of Cleaning for a Reason, encouraged Albertson to turn this idea into something bigger, something that truly recognizes and celebrates the mission of the charity. Her most recent fundraiser, on November 9, 2022, was a booming success.

“Every year we choose a theme,” Albertson said. “In previous years, we’ve done a rodeo, casino night, ping-pong, and bowling. This year, the theme was Carnival. We had so much fun setting up themed games, popcorn, and cotton candy machines.”

Nearly 100 guests attended, including local news coverage.

The most significant part of the night was when a previous patient spoke about her experience with Cleaning for a Reason. As a single mom of six, who was diagnosed with breast cancer while pregnant, she shared how isolating and scary of an idea it was to have to battle through her diagnosis alone, and how much of an impact receiving help from volunteers at Cleaning for a Reason had on her, during the most challenging time of her life.

Seeing attendance increase each year has put a huge smile on Albertson’s face.

“We raised $9,000 this year,” she said. “That will be sent directly to Cleaning for a Reason, and will help us get connected with local cleaning services to clean more homes of cancer patients.”

Albertson explained how, before the COVID-19 pandemic, it was much easier to hire cleaning services. However, when the pandemic started and many industries took a hit, it became much harder to find professionals to hire.

Her current place of work, Allan Industries, not only allows her to spend time and effort working alongside these charities while she works, but also encourages her.

“Working with Kathleen makes me a better person, and Allan Industries a much better organization,” said James Strite, VP Director of Greater Philadelphia.

Getting to listen and help share patients’ stories is what drives Albertson to want to continue the work she does with Cleaning for a Reason. She sees this opportunity as more than just helping someone through a tough time and cleaning their home, but making a lasting impact and connection that means just as much to her as it does to them.

Cleaning for a Reason partners with more than 1,200 residential cleaners throughout the United States and Canada, offering free house cleaning to any household battling cancer. Since 2006, the nonprofit and its partners have donated more than $16 million in services, helping more than 47,000 cancer patients. In 2017, Cleaning for a Reason was adopted by ISSA Charities, the charitable arm of ISSA, The Worldwide Cleaning Industry Association.

To apply for services, join as a cleaning partner, or support the work of Cleaning for a Reason, visit cleaningforareason.org.