PHOTO BY GLENN TRI EST Kart names Cyril Bradley/ general manager of its Chesterfield Township store, one of the company's top community volunteers. 32 STEVE STEIN STAFF WRITER C yril Bradley doesn't spend much time in- dulging himself, but when he does, he knows the perfect combina- tion. "I like to sit in my fa- vorite chair with a bagel and lox and watch Larry King on television," Mr. Bradley said. "Yes, I love bagels, lox and Larry King." Mr. Bradley doesn't get many chances to enjoy such luxuries be- cause when he isn't tending to his duties as general manager of the Kmart store on 23 Mile and Gratiot in Chesterfield Township, he is de- voting hours to community work. His volunteerism hasn't gone un- noticed. Mr. Bradley, 56, who was born in Liverpool, England, was one of 10,000 Kmart associates nation- wide recognized recently for their outstanding community contribu- tions. But that's not all. Mr. Bradley also was one of four associates from across the country chosen to rep- resent the 10,000 honorees. He is the man from the Midwest Region, which contains approximately 600 stores. Cyril Bradley charities through bake sales, The four regional hon- says doing haircut booths, country- orees will act as ambas- charity work western dance lessons, sadors for Kmart's makes him wrestling tournaments and Community Volunteers feel good. beauty pageants. Program and participate in He also has arranged free regional charity events. The program, which began in meals for the needy and promoted 1985, is Kmart's way of encourag- fund-raisers for high school sports ing its associates to become involved and band programs, Boy Scout in their communities. Through the troops and youth centers. During program, the company honors its the Persian Gulf war, he provided associates for their efforts and ac- assistance for families of soldiers fighting in the Gulf. complishments. One of his favorite local organi- One charity supported by Kmart associates across the country is zations is the Macomb County Child United Way. Since 1986, associates Abuse Neglect Information Coun- have raised more than $48 million cil.. On a national level, Mr. Bradley for that organization. As a corpora- has been involved with the March tion, Kmart donated more than $21 of Dimes, United Way and Muscu- million to non-profit groups in 1993. lar Dystrophy Association. All told, Mr. Bradley raises about "rye gotten involved in the com- munity because it's something I've $10,000 each year for charity. In a wanted to do and Kmart wants me typical week, he'll devote at least to do," Mr. Bradley said. "Being the five to 10 hours to volunteer work. "I'm really proud to receive the general manager of a Kmart store makes you a leader in your com- regional award from Kmart," Mr. munity and getting involved is one Bradley said. "I'm more than hap- py to do my share. As a company, of your responsibilities. "Beyond that, though, all the we really do a lot for the communi- charity work makes me feel good. ties we serve, and this award gives me a chance to point out what we That's important." A 30-year employee of Kmart, do. I don't know of any other ma- Mr. Bradley has raised money for MIDWEST page 34