Newsletter 2025 V1 Article - Community Involvement
Fall 2024 was marked by several impressive community efforts by UMassFive employees—$19,293 was raised in support of the UMass Cancer Center via participation in the UMass Cancer Walk and Run, $5,992 was raised for the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts via participation in Will Bike 4 Food, and hundreds of coats were collected for local organizations.
UMassFive employees have joined together for 25 years as “Team UMassFive” to raise funds for cancer research and clinical trials at the UMass Cancer Center—both personally and in branch locations. In 2024, fundraising efforts included raffle baskets, candy sales, and art/jewelry sales. Donations were also sought from Credit Union corporate partners, whose support helps bolster our efforts each year. Including the funds raised in 2024, Team UMassFive has raised nearly $206,000 in donations to the UMass Cancer Center over the lifetime of their participation.
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Since 2020, UMassFive employees have also jumped on their bicycles in support of Will Bike 4 Food, a major fundraising event for the Food Bank of Western Mass. In 2024, ten cyclists teamed up to raise almost $6,000 in support of their rides. Including the 2024 efforts, Team UMassFive has raised $23,500 over the lifetime of their participation, which equates to providing more than 70,000 meals to neighbors in need.
In October, UMassFive branches collected donations of cold-weather clothing and coats to be distributed to local organizations, including the Amherst Survival Center, Gray House in Springfield, and Net of Compassion in Worcester. At the Amherst Survival Center, UMassFive employees worked together to sort and display all the donations in a pop-up shop for the community to shop at the week before Thanksgiving. Through the generosity of our employees and members, hundreds of coats made their way out to our community. We look forward to continuing these efforts in 2025, making our community a better place for all.
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We look forward to continuing these efforts in 2025, making our community a better place for all.
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