WESTBROOK, Maine–In conjunction with National Hunger Awareness Month, the Maine Credit Unions’ Campaign for Ending Hunger is launching a 30-day, $100,000 Challenge beginning June 1 to raise money for Good Shepherd Food Bank, local community food pantries, and meal sites.
According to the league, the initiative replicates a successful fundraising drive the Campaign sponsored a year ago to help Good Shepherd Food Bank and its partner organizations meet the unprecedented demand for food.
“When we held our $100,000 Challenge in June of 2020, we didn’t know what to expect,” said MCUL President/CEO Todd Mason. “But the outpouring of support we received was incredible. In 30 days, we raised $230,000! Given that many Mainers are still struggling financially due to the ongoing pandemic, we are again challenging people to help us feed our neighbors in need.”
As part of the challenge, the league said financial institutions, businesses, and individuals are being encouraged to make a secure online donation to Maine Credit Unions’ Campaign for Ending Hunger. Donations also can be made at local credit union branches across the state. The league added that 75% of the funds raised online during the Challenge by Maine credit unions will help support local food pantries and meal sites, while 25% of the funds raised will directly benefit Good Shepherd Food Bank.
Open Hearts
“While our goal is to raise $100,000 over the next 30 days, we hope people will open up their hearts and wallets to help us raise even more,” said Cheryl Lancaster, executive vice president of Member Services at the Maine Credit Union League and Synergent. “Maine’s credit unions are deeply committed to combatting hunger in our state year-round, but a challenge like this, especially during National Hunger Awareness month, really brings everyone together.”
Since 1990, the Maine Credit Unions’ Campaign for Ending Hunger has raised over $10.4 million, including a record-breaking $960,000 in food and cash contributions last year.