St. Michael's Great Northern Bank Goes Casual For a Cause

Great Northern Bank employees have recently taken on a new venture to help support the Hanover Food Shelf. They have adopted Fridays as “Casual for a Cause” day.  Any employee can wear blue jeans if he or she chooses to do so as long as they either bring $3 to donate to the food shelf or $3 worth of non-perishable food.

Those who participate display a name tag explaining that they are casual for a cause. Since the venture began at the beginning of May, the bank has donated close to $120 to the foodshelf in addition to food donations.

"We have close to 100 percent participation amongst the employees," bank president and CEO Paul Ederer said. 

Bank employee Angie Carlisle really enjoys it. “I appreciate the opportunities this program gives me to help, but also when I am dressed casually our customers want to know why. That opens the way for a great
conversation to start about how they, as a customer, can help as well," she said.

"Summer is one of the hardest times for food shelves across MN. People are busy with summer plans and vacations and kids activities, so unfortunately the food stocks dwindle at the food shelves because it becomes an afterthought. This is a good way to get a gentle reminder out there,” Carlisle added.

Employee Nick Schultz couldn't agree more.

"I think it’s great to work with and organization and employees that realize the importance of giving back to the community we serve," he said.