From joining walkathons to landscaping front yards for the disadvantaged, Michigan's Community Choice Credit Union has come up with a method of aiding local charities--the "Give Big Weekend."
Indeed, the $435 million CU with headquarters in Farmington Hills counted what it said was an astounding 1,220 hours of service given last weekend by employees and members.
Moreover, $4,910 was raised in pledges and donations directed to four charities: American Diabetes Association, Gleaner's Food Bank, the Michigan Humane Society and Freedom Work Opportunities.
"We're particularly pleased that we had 80% of our employees--120 out of 140--who signed up to do the weekend volunteer work bringing along their families to sites around metro Detroit," said Karen Myers, marketing communications specialist.
This is the second year for the "Give Big Weekend," Myers said, adding that CU employees also sorted boxes at the food bank and picked up trash in a Detroit park.
Apart from building employee pride, the Give Big program carves out a special community niche for a CU to demonstrate being "a socially responsible financial advocate," President/CEO Robert Bava said.
"We have recognized the path to building that aspect of our brand begins internally," Bava said. "By allocating resources for philanthropy, we make it a part of our business strategy and organizational culture."
Employees, he continued, "then carry that message with them, not only when participating in the Give Big Weekend, but also when they are providing service to our members and developing business leads."
