Charities and Community Involvement

Consumers Sunburst 5K Run

April 20, 2013

4th Annual 5K and 1st Annual 10K

Consumers Credit Union and Oshtemo Township again pair up to raise money to improve local Oshtemo parks through the Sunburst 5K. The Sunburst 5K is a community–wide 5K Run/Walk event in which everyone is encouraged to participate. There will even be a one mile Family Fun Run following the 5K Run/Walk, and strollers are welcome. The course will take runners through the rolling hills and the scenic countryside of Oshtemo. This year's run introduces the first–ever 10K option.

As the platinum sponsor, last year Consumers contributed over 30 volunteers and about 400 volunteer hours. The funds raised at this year’s race will help fund future park improvements.

Perks for participating in this event include the wonderful live bagpipe music, onsite restrooms/showers, medals, and snacks including fresh fruit and beverages. The top three men and top three women in each division will be awarded medals based on timing provided by Classic Race Management. The results will be posted online at www.oshtemo.org. Sign up with nine other people and you will receive $5 off of the regular registration per runner.

Whether you are planning on running, walking, riding in a stroller, or even watching, fun will be had by all.

Walk MS

May 4, 2013

Starting at the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts

Consumers has supported the National Multiple Sclerosis Society for over eleven years. 2013 marks our 5th year as the Kalamazoo site sponsor.

Multiple sclerosis (or MS) is a chronic, often disabling disease that attacks the central nervous system. Join us in walking to raise funds to support MS research, professional education, and programs and services for helping people with MS move forward with their lives.

"We are privileged to continue our long commitment of contribution to the MS Society in their mission to provide support, advocacy, and research for those affected by MS," says Visser.

Relay for Life

June 8-9, 2013, 10 am to 10 am

Kalamazoo County Fairgrounds

Consumers Credit Union has participated in Relay for Life events for many years. We are again a proud sponsor of this year’s event, where a team of 40 employees will take to the track for 24 hours in the fight against this deadly disease.

Cancer affects many of us either personally or via a friend or family member. Great strides have been made over the years through fundraising efforts, but we cannot give up the fight until cancer is no longer a lethal threat. Consumers’ participation has raised over $65,000 in the last five years thanks to our members and dedicated employees.

We invite you to come and join us. While team members take turns walking the track, the event also includes a kids’ carnival, a car show, a silent auction, food, and entertainment. If you are a cancer survivor, this event is in honor of you.

The American Cancer Society is the nationwide community-based voluntary health organization dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem by preventing cancer, saving lives, and diminishing suffering from cancer through research, education, advocacy, and service.

Other local Relay events:

Van Buren West — June 8–9, 10am–10am, Lake Michigan College

Holland area — June 14–15, 12pm–12pm — Holland Christian High School

Van Buren East — June 22–23 — Paw Paw Middle School

Coldwater area — July 21–22, 9am–9am — Heritage Park

Tour de Taylor

June 15, 2013

Mattawan, MI

Local bike event to raise money for Team Taylor and Make–A–Wish of Michigan

Tour de Taylor has been created by several Kalamazoo area cyclists who have been involved with The Make–A–Wish Foundation of Michigan’s Wish–A–Mile 300 Mile Bike Tour (WAM300). These riders came together in 2007 after the passing of Taylor Grainger and formed TEAM TAYLOR to ride the WAM 300. Since 2008, Team Taylor has grown from 7 cyclists to over 120 and has donated over $500,000 to the Make–A–Wish Foundation of Michigan!

Taylor Grainger passed away in 2007 at age 14 from Cardiac Arrest. Taylor was always collecting McDonalds toys and taking them to local hospitals for the sick kids to play with, putting a smile on their face for the moment, or even the whole day.

Team Taylor honors Taylor’s life and giving spirit by raising funds so that sick kids and families may enjoy some "Wish" time.

We are all volunteers in this mission and all net proceeds are donated to the Make–A–Wish Foundation of Michigan. It is not necessary to be a member of Team Taylor to enjoy the Tour de Taylor. Just Sign up and have a great ride…and THANK YOU for your support.

Walk to End Alzheimer's

October 7, 2012

Celery Flats, Portage

Join our nation's largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer care, support, and research. Alzheimer's is the nation's sixth leading cause of death. This year's event will take place at Celery Flats in Portage with a 1k or 3k option. Consumers is a Champion Team Platinum sponsor.

Kalamazoo County Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Council (K-CAN)

Help K-CAN fight child abuse and neglect. For more information about K-CAN, visit www.kcan.org.

Dollars for Scholars

Each year, Consumers' employee-funded scholarship program awards five $2,000 scholarships to college-bound members. Click for more information.

Senior Services Meals on Wheels

Consumers employees delivery meals every Tuesday. We serve over 1,000 meals every year, rain or shine. Click for more information on Meals on Wheels.

United Way