Kalamink Wind and Apex Clean Energy are pleased to announce four local programs and organizations as the recipients of the first round of Kalamink Wind Community Grants.
The program, launched earlier this year, seeks to support community organizations making an impact in the following areas: Building Healthy Communities, Economic Development, Environmental Sustainability, and Promoting Education.
“Over the past year we have seen these organizations step up to serve their community, despite the challenges posed by the pandemic and hard economic times,” said Brian O'Shea, Public Engagement Manager with Apex Clean Energy. “Their work has supported communities throughout eastern Ingham County, and we are proud to support them.”
Kalamink Wind will be providing a sponsorship grant to the Stockbridge Area Chamber of Commerce's "A Day in the Village" Festival taking place the weekend of June 19th in Downtown Stockbridge. So many communities missed out on these events over the past year and this year's event will be an important milestone for the community.
"Stockbridge Area Chamber of Commerce is planning our 27th year celebration known as A Day in the Village, this event brings the community together for games, activities, music, Arts and Crafts, food and good old-fashioned fun! After the past year of being in lockdown due to the pandemic, we are hoping everyone will want to come out and have a good time," said Cherie Van Blaircum, President of the Stockbridge Area Chamber of Commerce. "For the first time ever, we are having a Lego "Build Your Town" contest, open to kids 12 and under. We are super excited to have Apex Clean Energy sponsor this event with the grand prize of a Lego Wind Turbine kit that will be awarded to the best Lego building! We are certain that the judges will have a difficult time of selecting a winner!"
Stockbridge Community Outreach strives to fight food scarcity in the Stockbridge Area and will use the provided grant to fund their Milk Bucks Program, providing much needed nutritional milk to those who would otherwise be without.
"This grant will help to cover the cost of our Milk Bucks Program for 3 months and allow us to continue to provide milk coupons to our clients." said Karen Smith, Program Director of Stockbridge Community Outreach. "Outreach Milk Bucks are redeemable at all Mugg & Bopps, Stockbridge Sunoco, and Plane Food Market, so the program has the additional benefit of supporting local businesses. Thank you, Kalamink Wind!"
A Kalamink Wind Community Grant will also support two cadets on their road to recovery through CHUM Therapeutic Riding. Since 1999, CHUM has provided Equine Assisted Activities and therapies assisting those with and without disabilities.
"It is heartwarming to have organizations able and willing to continue to help support programs that serve our communities regardless of the current challenges. You are a blessing to all whom we serve," said Bonnie DePue, President of CHUM Therapeutic Riding.
Kalamink Wind's ongoing commitment is to be a strong community partner to the residents of eastern Ingham County. The Community Grant Program will continue to support pressing community needs and local organizations making a meaningful impact throughout 2021. To learn more or apply for a future grant, visit www.kalaminkwind.com/grant.