WESTBROOK, Maine–Although the event was held in a virtual environment this year, the 2020 Feed ME 5K Walk to End Hunger hosted by Maine State Credit Union helped raise more than $40,000.
The funds will provide 160,000 meals to local families, according to Maine State Credit Union.
“This is a great number in any year; an outstanding amount in 2020,” said Tucker Cole, CEO of Maine State Credit Union, in a statement. “We had over 19 business sponsors for this event, and we are thankful for their continued support of the walk.”
The event raised funds with a virtual walk during May. Those who registered received a special edition virtual walk T-shirt. Some walked as a socially distancing group; others counted their daily walk with their dogs, according to Maine’s credit unions.
“This year, our hunger organizations need the help more than ever. The Feed ME 5K Walk is typically the largest fundraiser they can participate in each year,” said Stacey Dow, co-chairwoman of the Ending Hunger Walk Committee. “However, with the COVID situation, they had to shift gears quickly — from fundraising to helping folks that have never needed it before. Despite all the frontline work they have been doing for our neighbors, most of them still managed to raise money, and take a walk too! I could not be prouder of them.”
All the proceeds from the event go to more than 30 hunger organizations.