Ilitch Companies’ Volunteers Lend a Hand at Michigan Humane

In early December, representatives from the Detroit Red Wings, Detroit Tigers, Ilitch Companies Foundation and the group of Red Wings’ significant others called the Lady Wings spent the morning volunteering at Michigan Humane’s Mackey Center for Animal Care in Detroit.

Twenty-four volunteers helped with tasks throughout the shelter, including laundry and dishes, cleaning kennels and cat suites and packing pet food and supplies for distribution outside the shelter.

“Our mission at Michigan Humane is to improve and save lives through compassionate care, community engagement and advocacy for animals,” said Deb Scola, vice president for strategic relationships at Michigan Humane. “And we are so fortunate to have Ilitch Companies, the Detroit Tigers and Detroit Red Wings into our shelter today to help us take care of the animals.”

Anna Seidel, Tilde Widmark and Tyra Sundström of the Lady Wings were on site at the shelter, and Widmark said it was a great way to give back to the Detroit community that has made her feel like a local.

“Experiences like this are so great,” said Widmark. “We could come here and help and just fill out our day with doing something that actually is meaningful and I love to experience it together with them.”

Ilitch Companies Foundation sponsored Michigan Humane’s adoption center lobby and supports its volunteer programs.

“Ilitch Companies’ drive and passion for volunteerism is what supports Michigan Humane,” Scola said. “They specifically support our volunteer programs, and we have over 1,500 active volunteers who give 80,000 hours of their time to Michigan Humane. We couldn't do that without the support of Ilitch Companies.”

The Detroit Tigers Foundation partners with Michigan Humane for multiple Bark in the Park events at Comerica Park throughout the Tigers season, and the Detroit Red Wings Foundation partners with Tito’s Vodka in its Assists for a Cause program, which benefits Michigan Humane, as well.

“It's so important to volunteer in the community, and we're doing this on Giving Tuesday, which is also super special just to be able to give back on this day,” said Merideth Gokey, community impact manager for the Red Wings. “It builds camaraderie between our colleagues and truly allows us to give back.”