In November, the team at Genisys Credit Union launched a campaign with their employees to raise funds for Lighthouse’s annual Thanks & Giving Campaign. The initiative raised $12,178, which will allow Lighthouse to purchase turkeys for all the families they serve to have a Thanksgiving dinner this year. 

“We recognize the strain the global pandemic is putting on our communities, but I am forever moved by and grateful for the team at Genisys for coming together to raise funds to support our community partners,” said Jackie Buchanan, President & CEO of Genisys Credit Union. “I applaud Lighthouse for going above and beyond during this time to ensure their neighbors are given resources and taken care of.” 

The team at Genisys raised the funds through an employee match program to cover the cost of turkeys which will be doubled by Meijer, as part of their Simply Give program, for a grand total of 2,432 turkeys for families in need this holiday season. Meijer started their Simply Give program in 2008 to help local food pantries fulfill their mission of feeding those struggling with food insecurity.

"We are thrilled that Lighthouse will be able to provide Thanksgiving meals for more families than ever before, thanks to the support of Genisys Credit Union,” said Ryan Hertz, Lighthouse President & CEO. “Genisys employees joined together to raise enough funds to provide turkeys for hungry Oakland County families; quite a generous act, and one worthy of celebration during a uniquely difficult year."

“We are elated to be able to bring back some sense of normalcy as families celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday,” said Buchanan. “A special ‘thank you’ to Meijer for doubling the donations.” 

The credit union has been proud to make a year-to-date contribution of $25,000 to Lighthouse in order to support their mission of responding to poverty by building communities that work to end homelessness and helping people move from crisis towards self-sufficiency. It is a mission of Genisys to be the community support and give back to the areas they serve through time and resources for a long-lasting impact of community wellness and betterment.