Sun Collectors is committed to illuminating lives through solar power.
In Central Illinois, a leading provider of solar energy systems, Sun Collectors is widely known for its commitment to harnessing solar energy. However, the compassion held by Sun Collectors in brightening lives extends well beyond its solar panels. For nearly a decade, the company has been quietly fulfilling orders across its local community, which has proven that true energy comes from empowering those around you.
Not only is it corporate social responsibility but also an inner philosophy that permeates and radiates from the very nature of the company itself. For William Grant, founder of Sun Collectors, the community support is a very personal process of transformation. His childhood was a tumultuous journey of instability and odds. In all, he attended 22 schools before 7th grade, had numerous near-foster care experiences, and sometimes had DCFS invading his life.
But amidst the chaos, a luminescent hope would shine: William’s maternal grandmother. His Memaw, as he called her, became a haven for him and did everything in her power to offer sanctuary to William and his family, welcoming them to her home and providing love and stability into their lives when no one else would. She was the manifestation of selflessness, giving when she herself had little: Human kindness incarnate.
Those early experiences left such an impression on William’s spirit that they were incorporated into the fabric of his reality and incited a thirst for helping others. He has seen what a good community can do to change a child’s life and promised to pay it forward. Years later, even as he was building Sun Collectors, that vow was forever in his mind. He understood that true success was not measured merely in kilowatt-hours or profit margins but in how well a company could touch the lives of all people it came in contact with.
And William doesn’t just say something for the sake of talking; his commitment to the community is felt in the very essence of Sun Collectors’ operations and corporate culture. To date, the company has contributed over $100,000 to local charities, and its employees have volunteered more than 1,000 hours of corporate service to local projects. They’ve contributed discounted solar options to other local businesses too. From sponsoring youth sports teams to donating to local food banks, it is all about the best example of corporate citizenship.
And they don’t stop at traditional forms of outreach. Sun Collectors leverages its platform to amplify the voices of those making a difference. Their podcast, “Solar Power Hour,” includes a special “Community Feature” segment where they shine a spotlight on local organizations and individuals doing extraordinary work.
CASA of the Tenth Judicial Circuit presented one particularly powerful episode. CASA, which stands for Court Appointed Special Advocates, fully represents abused and neglected children who are caught in the twists and turns of the court system. Sun Collectors has been a great support for CASA for over 3 years, as they realize the important role CASA plays in giving a voice and protecting vulnerable children.
In this episode, William Grant sat down with Pam Perrilles, the Executive Director of CASA, to discuss the organization’s vital mission and the impact of Sun Collectors’ support. Listeners gained a deeper understanding of the challenges these children face and the transformative power of CASA’s advocacy. Pam shared heartwarming stories of resilience and hope, highlighting the difference a single caring adult can make in a child’s life.
This podcast episode wasn’t just informative; it was a call to action. It inspired listeners to get involved, to become CASA volunteers, and to donate their time and resources to support this vital cause. By amplifying CASA’s message, Sun Collectors empowered their audience to become agents of change, demonstrating the ripple effect a single company can have in creating a more just and compassionate community.
William’s personal connection to CASA runs deep. His own childhood experiences instilled in him a profound understanding of the challenges these children face. He knows the fear, the confusion, the feeling of being lost in a system that can often feel overwhelming and impersonal. By supporting CASA, William and Sun Collectors are providing a lifeline to these children, ensuring they have someone to fight for their best interests, someone to guide them through the darkness and help them find their voice.
“Growing up, I often felt like I was invisible, like no one was listening,” William shares during the podcast. “CASA makes sure these kids don’t feel that way. They give them a voice, a champion, someone who truly cares. That’s something I wish I had and it’s something every child deserves.”
CASA’s capacity and impact could not have grown without the support of Sun Collectors. Their financial support has helped CASA to sponsor training programs for the new advocates who will make sure that more children access the support they require. Employees of the organisation have also volunteered their time in fundraising events and awareness campaigns in an effort to spread the word about CASA’s life-changing work.
“Sun Collectors has been an incredible partner,” says Sarah, a CASA advocate. “Their support has allowed us to reach more children and provide them with the advocacy they need and deserve. They truly understand the importance of our mission, and their commitment to our community is inspiring.”
Sun Collectors’ outreach activities beyond CASA are vast and far-reaching, on many other organizations and initiatives. They are committed supporters of the Yellow Bear Foundation, which provides monetary relief to families suffering from pediatric cancer. At the same time, they join hands with YANI Collective, a local organization focused on women’s empowerment and social justice. Be it sponsoring a local charity event, contributing to a food drive, or just giving a helping hand to the neighbor in need, Sun Collectors is always looking for opportunities to make a difference.
This dedication to community engagement isn’t just good for the soul; it’s good for business too. Sun Collectors has built a reputation as a company that cares, a company that invests in the well-being of its community. This has fostered a strong sense of loyalty among their customers, who appreciate the company’s commitment to something bigger than themselves.
“We choose Sun Collectors not just because of their excellent products and services, but because of their values,” says one satisfied customer. “They’re a company that truly cares about our community, and that’s something we want to support.”
Sun Collectors offers hope in a very profit-oriented world, exemplifying that greatness truly lies in pulling others up. Their tale is of community, compassion, and the undying love of a grandmother. Harnessing the sun’s energy, Sun Collectors lights not just homes but businesses.
