Contact: Emily Britton
Public Relations Specialist
Phone: 800.724.9282 x3397
Email: [email protected]
SODUS, N.Y., January 27, 2023— Reliant Credit Union continues its mission to help students in the Finger Lakes put their best feet forward! Throughout 2022, Reliant donated 260 pairs of sneakers to The Spot at Canandaigua Central School District, The Future Run the Streets run club in Newark, Brighton Central School District, and Geneva City School District, to be given to children served by these schools and programs.
These donations are all part of a special community effort Reliant created called Feet Forward, through which the credit union partners with area schools and organizations to provide quality sneakers to kids who need them. For the second year in a row, Reliant collaborated with Jonathan Griffiths, owner of Rochester Running Company, who helped facilitate the credit union’s purchase of an array of high-quality sneakers so that the credit union could donate them to children who otherwise wouldn’t have access to quality footwear.
“Reliant is proud to continue our Feet Forward program for the sixth year in a row, and that we are able to support both schools and grassroots organizations that are doing great work in our communities,” said Pamela Heald, Reliant’s President & CEO. “Our hope is that these contributions will enable children to achieve success in all aspects of their lives.”
Since Reliant started Feet Forward in 2017, the credit union has donated 1,824 pairs of sneakers—a total investment of over $51,000 to help local children.
Reliant and Rochester Running Company representatives presented the sneakers to representatives from the elementary schools and organizations, including Sarah Chilson, Executive Director of The Spot. “We are thrilled to accept this generous donation from Reliant. Our program supports local students from financially fragile households and our goal is always to provide resources with dignity and compassion,” said Ms. Chilson. “Being able to fit children with brand new, comfortable, and stylish sneakers allows us to serve families in a way that aligns with our mission and
reflects the values of our leadership team and dedicated volunteers. We are grateful that Reliant continues to be a local champion for children and we truly appreciate their support.”
Geneva City School District Central Registrar Kimberly Kerr said, “The donation from Reliant could not have come at a better time. We can relieve stress on parents/guardians while at the same time place smiles on students’ faces. We are grateful to have been selected and appreciate the generosity of the staff at Reliant who make this happen.”
Reliant Credit Union, which began locally in 1970, is a $635 million credit union serving more than 40,000 members. Eligibility is available to all who live, work, worship, attend school, or volunteer in Monroe, Ontario, and Wayne counties. Reliant currently has branches in Brockport, Canandaigua, Geneva, Henrietta, Irondequoit, Macedon, Newark, Sodus, and Webster, and will be opening a new branch in Farmington in 2023. A full-service financial institution, Reliant offers a complete range of financial products and services, including mortgages. For information regarding membership or employment, contact the credit union at 800-724-9282 or visit reliantcu.com.
Check out our latest video featuring our Feet Forward program, and scroll to see additional photos from our sneaker donations in 2022!
Representatives from Reliant, Rochester Running Company and The Spot at Canandaigua Elementary School.
Representatives from Reliant, Rochester Running Company and The Future Run the Streets run club, and various students from Newark Central School District.
Representatives from Reliant, Rochester Running Company and French Road Elementary School in Brighton.
Representatives from Reliant, Rochester Running Company and Geneva City School District.
# # #