Detroit Job Seekers ‘Get on the Bus’ to Work with Goodwill’s Help

Man in wheelchair looks at map at a bus stop.Goodwill Industries of Greater Detroit is helping individuals throughout Metro Detroit overcome transportation-related employment challenges during the 4th consecutive year of its “Get on the Bus” campaign, taking place this month.

Every $20 collected during the campaign enables a program participant to ride the bus to or from work, interviews or job training for at least a week. Donations also go towards providing aid to individuals in need of other employment-related transportation assistance, including gas cards and automobile repairs.

“Every day, Goodwill Industries® helps people across Southeast Michigan to conquer all sorts of challenges that keep them from holding a job or earning new employment,” said Lorna G. Utley, president and CEO, Goodwill Industries of Greater Detroit. “For many in Metro Detroit, securing reliable transportation to and from a workplace or an interview opportunity is the greatest barrier keeping them from a better life.”

As part of the campaign, the Detroit Goodwill® and the Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation (SMART) partnered for the “Get on the Bus” Match Day on October 19. SMART matched individual donations with an in-kind gift of SMART Value Passes up to $5,000.

“With 70 percent of SMART riders going to work and 20 percent going to school, our customers count on SMART to get them to these important destinations.” said John Hertel, SMART general manager. “When Metro Detroiters don’t have to worry about how they’ll get to the next shift or the next day at the office, they can focus on creating better lives for their families.”

CVS/pharmacy and Pepsi Beverages Company, also campaign partners, will donate proceeds to “Get on the Bus” from purchases of 2-liter Pepsi bottles bought at any Michigan CVS/pharmacy location during the month of October, up to a total donation of $10,000. All 264 CVS/pharmacy store locations location will feature in-store displays supporting the campaign.

Additionally, Comcast will support “Get on the Bus” by promoting the cause through more than 1,000 public service announcements to Southeast Michigan customers throughout the course of the campaign. News/Talk 760 WJR will promote the campaign throughout October via on-air announcements to its radio audience.