OXFORD, Maine–As part of a month-long initiative, Oxford FCU executed a three-phase campaign called Operation Brighter Days to lift the spirits of its staff, members, and community, and to remind everyone that brighter days are ahead.
Tammy Daigle, Oxford FCU’s VP-support, and Lisa Marston, marketing director, came up with the idea for this special initiative, according to the Maine Credit Union League.
“For phase one of this effort, we wanted to thank our incredible employees for being courageous financial first responders,” Daigle told the Maine league. “They worked through their own fears and anxiety to focus on providing important services to our members.”
Each staff member received an Oxford FCU-branded beach towel, a hanging flower basket purchased from local small businesses, and two gift cards to provide them the opportunity to pay it forward for someone else.
Phase II
Phase II of Operation Brighter Days provided small businesses in Oxford County with an opportunity to advertise their businesses were open or opening soon. Business announcements were listed on the credit union’s digital signs through the end of May, the league said.
“These have been difficult times for small businesses and with restrictions being eased and places opening up, I thought we could use the digital roadside signs we have at both our branches to help spread the word for them,” Marston told the league.
Phase III
The third and final phase of the campaign was designed to simply make people smile, the Maine league reported.
“We sent Whoopie pies to the staff at the Maine Veterans Home in South Paris, and then we worked with Frosty Delite Ice Cream Shop in Mexico to surprise some customers with free ice cream,” said Marston.
Additionally, the credit union provided reusable grocery bags and financial donations totaling $5,000 to six local food pantries, the MCUL said.