The Floor Covering Industry Foundation (FCIF) is hosting “One Day to Give,” a 24-hour online fundraising drive, on Thursday, September 7. One Day to Give unites the floor covering industry to make a lasting impact on families faced with unexpected medical battles who need help getting back on their feet. FCIF is a 501(c)(3) charitable non-profit that has been assisting floor covering workers and their families since 1981. The organization provides a way for the industry to “take care of its own” by providing financial assistance grants to those who are struggling with severe illnesses, injuries, and disabilities.

In 2022 alone, FCIF provided 54 grants to families in the floorcovering industry, awarding over $500,000 to help with doctor’s visits, surgeries, medical equipment, prescriptions, and also basic needs such as mortgage, rent, utilities, and food.

To participate in One Day to Give, FCIF offers multiple ways to make an impact:

• Host a workplace campaign – download the One Day to Give digital toolkit
• Visit fcif.org/give or click here to give with a credit card
• Print a pledge card and mail along with a check to 855 Abutment Road, STE 1, Dalton, GA 30721. Put “One Day to Give” in the memo
• Advocate using #FCIFOneDaytoGive on social media 
• View FCIF’s Report to the Industry to learn more about their mission

“We are very excited to hold our 2nd annual One Day to Give at FCIF,” shared Andrea Blackbourn, the organization’s Executive Director. “This unique fundraising event allows individuals and businesses in the flooring community to get involved and impact our co-workers in profound ways. Giving is such a personal choice. We are thankful for each individual and company who gives, no matter the amount.”

Candace, who now lives in Calhoun, Georgia, worked in the flooring industry as a stacker and creeler in a manufacturing plant. Just as her career was taking off, she was diagnosed with Stage 2 breast cancer. Photo: FCIF. 

FCIF Helps Candace During Chemo Treatment

Family means everything to Candace as her six children are the love of her life. She was raised by her grandmother in Jamaica since her mother had migrated to the United States for a better life. At the age of 10, Candace moved from Jamaica to be with her mother. Candace, who now lives in Calhoun, Georgia, worked in the flooring industry as a stacker and creeler in a manufacturing plant.

Just as her career was taking off, she was diagnosed with Stage 2 breast cancer. With her diagnosis, she began her journey with chemotherapy and radiation, and she soon lost her job due to not being able to work. Candace began falling behind on her bills. Soon she started to become depressed and often fearful of what the future would look like for her and her children. A non-profit cancer support organization saw the struggles Candace was facing and connected her to the Floor Covering Industry Foundation.

FCIF was able to help Candance with her rent, utilities, food, transportation costs, and medical bills. “The Floor Covering Industry Foundation really helped my family as I was going through my cancer treatment," said Candace. "I truly don’t know how we would have made it without their assistance. Having cancer is an overwhelming journey, but the kindness and assistance the Floor Covering Industry Foundation has provided has been a blessing.”

The success of One Day to Give relies on participants pushing out the campaign to their personal social networks to build momentum and gather support. To host your own campaign, reach out to Blackbourn at ablackbourn@fcif.org or download the One Day to Give digital toolkit.

For more on FCIF, click here.