Maine credit unions raise record amount to fight hunger
File photo / Courtesy Maine Credit Union League
Jake Holmes, the Maine Credit Union League’s financial literacy outreach coordinator, is shown here offering a food donation as part of last year's Maine Credit Unions’ Campaign for Ending Hunger.
Maine credit unions raised a record $969,775 to fight hunger in the state, the Maine Credit Union League announced this week in a virtual celebration of the achievement.
The latest Maine Credit Unions' Campaign for Ending Hunger provided funding to 260 food-based organizations across the state, for a total $10.4 million raised since the initiative was launched in 1990.
“The pandemic changed every facet of our daily lives and, for many Mainers, made it even more difficult to put meals on the table,” said Todd Mason, president and CEO of the Westbrook-based Maine Credit Union League, in a news release.
"With the demand for food assistance so high this year, Maine credit unions worked tirelessly to help feed those in need in their communities. Fundraising during a pandemic wasn’t easy, yet our supportive employees, volunteers, and members rose to the occasion. We never expected to surpass what we raised last year and are thrilled with the final fundraising results.”
Maine Credit Unions’ Campaign for Ending Hunger provides support to organizations like Good Shepherd Food Bank, Full Plates Full Potential, schools, food pantries and meal sites. Credit union employees also volunteer their time and talents to support the organizations.
“Every credit union in the state contributed to the Campaign at some level,” said Tim Brooks, the League's vice president of corporate marketing and communications. “Considering the innumerable challenges that we faced due to COVID-19, that’s quite remarkable. This initiative is an important priority for all Maine credit unions and will continue to be until every Mainer has access to healthy, nutritious meals.”
The virtual event included remarks from Maine humorist and author Tim Sample, who shared his story about being food insecure as a young man.
“It was an honor to hear from Tim Sample during our event,” Mason said. “He is passionate about ending hunger because he knows what it is like to be hungry. His story left a meaningful impact on me and on our credit unions. It was a good reminder about why we do what we do."
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