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REAL Partnership – Walk for Warmth

With Michigan citizens facing higher utility bills than ever before, the need for community involvement is also greater that ever. Many Community Action Agencies in Michigan sponsor a ‘Walk for Warmth” fundraiser to raise money for local low income residents who are facing heating shut-offs or other energy-related emergencies.

“Walk for Warmth” is a statewide, locally implemented fundraising campaign coordinated by Community Action Agencies. Annually, the Walk raises up to $1.0 million, which is distributed to local families to assist them with household energy bills. Local community members participate in walks, runs, motorcycle rallies and other events to raise money for this worthy endeavor. Last year T & C Federal Credit Union raised $22,000 locally by participating it their local “Walk for Warmth,” creating a REAL Partnership which over several years has brought more than $75,000 to this local effort which helps local low-income families with winter emergencies to keep the heat and electricity on in the winter.

To learn more about these “Walks for Warmth” in your area contact your Michigan Community Action Agency.

http://www.mcaaa.org/Map_Color_Only.pdf

Here is what some credit union leaders say about their involvement with “Walk for Warmth” locally:

“I really love getting involved with this event,” said E&A CU Leader Annette Piontkowski. “I like knowing that the funds I raise go directly to the people in our community who need help so desperately.”

T&C FCU (OC) raised nearly $22,000 this year for OLHSA’s 18th Annual Walk for Warmth to help heat the homes of needy families. Money was raised by credit union staff through selling stuffed bears, donations and gifts-in-kind. “T&C has been a corporate sponsor for nearly 10 years,” said President/CEO Dianne Addington. “We are proud to be a part of this community-outreach program.”

The Oakland County Chapter OLSHA (Oakland Livingston Human Service Agency) Walk for Warmth raised more than $32,000 to assist needy families with their home heating bills this winter. Held Feb. 17, the charity event drew the participation of staff members from 15 credit unions.