Black Friday, Cyber Monday, Small Business Saturday. These are all holidays designed to tempt shoppers to spend their money by scoring the best deals.
After all that hustle and bustle today, people around the world are coming together for a selfless cause, #GivingTuesday. This global day of recognition is designed to use the power of social media to support, encourage and celebrate the generosity of others.
FCA US is pledging its support by partnering with United Way for Southeastern Michigan (UWSEM) and asking our employees to take an #UNselfie and share why they give to United Way with their dollars, time and actions.
Their photos are being shared on our Twitter and Facebook page, but here is a look at some reasons why our FCA US employees give.
Tameka Mattison
Tameka Mattison is an hourly team member at Jefferson North Assembly Plant in Detroit. Tameka comes from a very big, close family. She is the ninth child and her sister Tracy is the eighth. The two of them are close, sharing a bedroom while growing up. In 1997, Tracy was diagnosed with Lupus and the disease caused her kidneys to fail. While on dialysis, Tracy wasn’t able to pay her bills. That’s when United Way stepped in and helped pay some of her expenses.
Her sister’s illness opened Tameka’s eyes to all the people in need. “Everybody should give because you never know when it’s going to be your family member or your loved one,” she said. That’s why every year Tameka increases her donation.
Shona Taylor
Shona Taylor is the Communications Lead at Dundee Engine Plant. She gives because everyone deserves a fair shot at life. Shona’s experience began when she was pregnant with her first child. The company she worked for closed, leaving her without a job. Shona wondered, “How am I going to provide for my child?” While she did not tap into assistance from United Way, the experience drove her to want to give back. Now a mother of two, Shona went back to school which helped her land a job at the Dundee facility. The experience inspired Shona and her family to lend a hand to others in need. She donates her time as a member of the United Way Committee and leads several fundraisers and events throughout the year. One of her favorite events is the Giving Tree, which helps children in foster care or those who have parents experiencing financial difficulties.
Whether you give for a specific reason or just to help members of your community, we encourage you to show why you give using the hashtag #GivingTuesday and post it to your social media channels.
