The General Motors Foundation has announced a donation of $1 million, divided among the Capuchin Soup Kitchen, Habitat for Humanity Detroit, and the Coalition On Temporary Shelter, in honor of former GM CEO Dan Akerson and his wife, Karin.
It is all a part of the Akersons family’s commitment to making a difference in Detroit, Senior Vice President of GM Global Public Policy and Communications Selim Bingol, chairman of the GM Foundation said.
“Although not natives of Detroit, Dan and Karin Akerson were incredibly moved by the people and circumstances they encountered in the city,” Bingol continued.
The way it will be distributed is that Capuchin Soup Kitchen will get $500,000 to feed Detroit citizens and tend to their basic needs, Habitat for Humanity will receive $400,000 for refurbishing and building new homes in Detroit, and the Coalition on Temporary Shelter will get $100,000 to provide services to the homeless to foster self-sufficiency.
GM Foundation President Vivian Pickard gave the checks to each organization while teamGM Cares Volunteers worked a shift in each facility, serving meals and preparing clothing contributions for the homeless, as well as framing houses for neighborhoods in Detroit.
Brother Jerry Smith, executive director of the Capuchin Soup Kitchen, said he cannot thank the Akersons enough for their support.
“Now, we are awed and humbled to receive this large gift from the GM Foundation in their honor,” Smith said. “We wish Dan and Karin Godspeed as they journey into this next chapter of their lives; we will miss them.”
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