Giving Back to the Community with Sun Unity

In 2016 Sun Communities, Inc. officially launched the Sun Unity Project, a social responsibility initiative to give back to the communities in which we work and live. These efforts include promoting education, reducing waste, serving communities, empowering development, extending our reach, and sharing our progress. This is in direct relation to the carefully thought out goals that have set the foundation for the program even before its inception, which are:

1. Improve the lives of our residents through scholarship education programs.
2. Reduce our environmental footprint.
3. Promote a culture of giving through volunteer programs in our communities.
4. Enhance transparency through qualitative and quantitative analysis.
5. Engage in community development programs that align with Sun's vision and goals.
6. Ensure geographic diversity so that all our regions are evenly supported.

Over the past year, the Sun Unity Project has increased awareness throughout the organization regarding opportunities in which Sun team members can make an impact. Company leadership has generously allocated paid time off specifically for these efforts to further encourage associates to volunteer even more for the vast array of opportunities that are available. The whole philosophy behind the Sun Unity initiative is firmly rooted in doing the right thing.

"The things that you can learn and the joy that's spread through volunteerism has a tremendous impact," said John McLaren, President & Chief Operating Officer.

Our combined efforts throughout 2016 have been accomplished through various partnerships and volunteering efforts including:  

Fundraising

• Flint Water Crisis
• Hurricane Matthew Relief
• Detroit Dog Rescue
• Animals of Metro Detroit
• Louisiana Floods

Volunteering

• HAVEN Centre for Children
• Hands On 8 Mile (Community Cleanup)
• Detroit Dog Rescue
• Animals of Metro Detroit
• Children's Hospital of Michigan
• Summer Stroll for Epilepsy
• Community Tree Planting & Gardening
• Global Tutoring Program

Partnerships

• Eastern Market
• Toys for Tots
• Gleaners Community Food Bank of Southeastern Michigan in collaboration with the American Red Cross and The Salvation Army
• Angels' Place
• Tofauti On the Move Inc.

Scholarship/Tuition Assistance Opportunities

• $1,000 Post-High School Tuition Scholarships Awarded to 25 Students Nationwide for the 2016/2017 School Year

The program's manager, Rebecca Ndombi, believes that to find yourself you have to lose yourself in the service of others. "It's all about your willingness to help," she said.

Plans are already well underway for 2017 initiatives that will continue to grow the Sun Unity Project and foster unity in the community! Check out what where we've been and what we've been up to on our Facebook page or #sununity.