WESTBROOK, Maine–Maine’s credit unions are reporting they have set a new record for fundraising to fight hunger in the state.
During its Ending Hunger Campaign Results Celebration Luncheon, the Maine CU League said it raised $740,027.35 in 2017, a new fundraising milestone. Those funds helped push the total amount of funds raised over the 28-year history of Maine Credit Unions’ Campaign for Ending hunger to more than $8 million.
During the luncheon here, three-time Olympian and Jamaican Bobsled team Devon Harris was the keynote speaker who helped Maine credit unions make the announcement.
Harris, who formed a foundation in 2006 which includes helping make sure children have enough to eat so they can do better in school, said, "You are providing hope to kids I was once like. Empty cupboard, no food, been there, done that. The help that the credit unions in Maine are giving to kids and adults, in general, through your campaign is amazing. You have found a cause and you are making a difference in the lives of the people in your state. What I would say to you in closing, though, is don't stop now – the need remains and people need the hope that having enough to eat provides."
Added Todd Mason, president and CEO of the Maine league, “I am impressed by the cooperation, generosity and enthusiasm that our credit unions and nearly 700,000 credit union members have towards making a difference in the community. The Campaign for Ending Hunger is such a wonderful example of that spirit. Hunger is in every community in our state so this is a problem that impacts us all. While today we are and should celebrate another tremendous effort by Maine's credit unions to help end hunger in Maine, we still have a lot of work to do. I know from the commitment in this room, we will continue in that effort.”