JACKSON, Mich., April 8, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Consumers Energy announced today that more than 1,000 Consumers Energy employees and their family and friends recently united at events around the state and raised $112,000 to help warm Michigan homes.
"Every dollar raised will go toward helping our most vulnerable customers, including those who are elderly and disabled, and those who can't afford to pay their heating bills," said Patti Poppe, Consumers Energy's vice president of customer experience and operations.
Consumers Energy recently joined local Community Action Agencies to support 31 Walk for Warmth events across Michigan. Consumers Energy matched all funds raised by employees and any participating family and friends, thereby doubling heating assistance for those in need.
With ongoing budget pressures at the federal and state level, there is an uncertainty in the amount of authorized public heating assistance dollars to go around. That has led to Walk for Warmth events playing an increasingly important role in assisting Michigan families.
"Consumers Energy's support for Walk for Warmth is a great example of corporate citizenship," said Mike Shalley, communications director for the Michigan Community Action Agency Association. "The company and its dedicated employees really came through on their promise to serve the community, including those who are facing very tough times and need a little help to make ends meet."
Michigan nonprofit organizations received $10 million in contributions in 2012 from Consumers Energy, its employees, retirees, its Foundation, and the utility's parent company, CMS Energy. Half of the contributions in 2012 went to organizations that provide direct assistance to those in need including: The Heat And Warmth Fund (THAW), The Salvation Army and TrueNorth Community Services.
Consumers Energy, the principal subsidiary of CMS Energy (NYSE: CMS), provides natural gas and electricity to 6.8 million of Michigan's 10 million residents in all 68 Lower Peninsula counties.
For more information regarding Consumers Energy, visit us at: www.consumersenergy.com or join us on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/consumersenergymichigan
SOURCE Consumers Energy