While many financial institutions were closed Monday, October 14 for a federal banking holiday, more than 200 4Front Credit Union team members gathered at Great Wolf Lodge in Traverse City for a day of bettering themselves and the communities they serve. The highlight of these opportunities is the intertwining of professional development with a concerted community giving effort. The credit union assisted Bikes for Tikes Northwest Michigan and NW Michigan Marine Toys for Tots.
Employees were separated into small groups where they were challenged to work together to assemble 20 bicycles subsequently donated to northern Michigan families in need. Team members also had the opportunity to help fill a presentation stage with gifts later donated to Toys for Tots. It presented a terrific opportunity to give back to the northern Michigan community while participating in a worthwhile team building exercise.
In addition to the 20 assembled bikes, 285 unwrapped gifts were donated by 4Front team members.
“The spirit of helping our neighbors is alive and very, very well at 4Front Credit Union,” says Toys for Tots of Northwest Michigan Coordinator, Maggie Kent. “When the Toys for Tots campaign begins, we know we will need to collect over 20,000 toys and we’ll help out thousands of kids. So when we get a terrific start like this, it’s a huge help. This donation will not only make the holidays brighter for area children, but will provide a huge relief for parents who simply want to provide their kids a Christmas this year but aren’t sure how to afford it.”
In addition to the time spent last week assembling bicycles, team members have contributed 2,374 volunteer hours throughout 2019 equating to nearly 100 full days of volunteerism. 4Front staff have provided northern Michigan communities with 6,555 volunteer hours since 2015.
