Community Focus FCU's Sunshine Committee Targets Fundraising and Team Building

Earlier this year, before the COVID-19 pandemic hit Michigan, the Community Focus Federal Credit Union’s Sunshine Committee volunteered at a Brownstown Kroger to raise funds and donations benefiting the Gleaners Community Food Bank of Southeastern Michigan. They were able to fill two grocery carts with canned goods, baby food, diapers and hygiene products. There were also multiple cash donations.

The Sunshine Committee was founded in 2019 as an employee group within the credit union. The intent was to focus on boosting the spirits of the credit union and its employees. The committee hosts events that team members can participate in.

For instance, the group went to a pumpkin patch last fall. A handful of employees and their families came and were able to enjoy it together. The committee also recognizes birthdays. Once a month at staff meetings, the committee celebrates all of the birthdays for that month by giving a card and having cake. They also recognize important events in people’s lives, such as new births.

“Recently, we had a little baby shower to celebrate two of our team members who are expecting in September,” said Accounting Specialist Andrew Gregoire. “The last thing the committee does is set up volunteer events and encourages employees to participate. Volunteerism is a good way to stay active in the community and give back, and also is a good morale booster for volunteers.”

“We tend to work with Fish & Loaves often since our branch in Brownstown is also a collection site,” Gregoire continued. “We have also volunteered with Gleaners who host food drives at various Kroger stores in the area. It’s always a good time to be out there and we often run into our own members. It is pretty exciting to run into them outside of the walls of the credit union.”