FLINT, Mich., Jan. 27, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Consumers Energy announced today that its charitable foundation will contribute up to $50,000 to support the children of Flint through the Community Foundation of Greater Flint.
The Consumers Energy Foundation is making a $25,000 contribution to the community foundation's Child Health and Development Fund, which will be earmarked for early childhood education. The foundation will match donations by employees and retirees up to another $25,000.
"Our employees across Michigan are asking how they can help the residents of Flint, a community where many of us work and live," said David Mengebier, president of the Consumers Energy Foundation. "We want to do all we can to support this community in this time of need, including financial incentives for our employees to continue to give their money and time."
The Consumers Energy Foundation contributed $25,000 in November to the United Way of Genesee County to purchase some 2,500 water filters. The new financial commitment will support early childhood education programs, which have been a focus for the foundation and which will be especially relevant for the Flint community following the water crisis.
Consumers Energy is encouraging employees to volunteer through the American Red Cross, which is helping coordinate relief work in Flint. Employees who volunteer in groups can also receive $250 Caring for Community grants that the Consumers Energy Foundation will make in their names to support the Red Cross. These grants are in addition to the foundation's dollar-for-dollar match.
"We are encouraged to see so many people step up to help Flint, and we are proud to play a role in meeting the community's needs," Mengebier said. "We chose to support early childhood education, recognizing we want to meet the community's needs today and for years to come."
The Consumers Energy Foundation is the philanthropic arm of Consumers Energy. It provides funding for a variety of areas including education, community, civic and cultural development, social services, the environment, and emerging issues.
Consumers Energy, Michigan's largest utility, is the principal subsidiary of CMS Energy (NYSE: CMS), providing natural gas and electricity to 6.6 million of the state's 10 million residents in all 68 Lower Peninsula counties.
For more information about Consumers Energy, go to www.ConsumersEnergy.com.
Media toolkit
COMMUNITY FOUNDATION: Learn more about the Community Foundation of Greater Flint: www.flintkids.org
OUR VOLUNTEERS: See Consumers Energy's employees in action volunteering. On Twitter: #CEVolunteers
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SOURCE Consumers Energy
