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October 1 marked the official launch of our $100,000 Ending Hunger Challenge! Has your credit union pledged a donation and/or do you have a fundraising event in the works? Thirty-one days is not a lot of time to reach such an ambitious goal, but through the power of collaboration and cooperation, credit unions, the League, and Synergent will undoubtedly rise to the occasion to meet this target.
Proceeds from the monthlong fundraiser will support Good Shepherd Food Bank, local food pantries, meal sites, and a new pilot program with Special Olympics Maine that will help athletes who are facing food insecurity.
“It’s exciting to tackle a challenge, and fighting hunger is a critical endeavor we simply cannot ignore,” shared League President Elise Baldacci. “Every community in our state is impacted by food insecurity―no town or city is immune from this systemic problem. That is why it is important for Mainers to come together in this way to help break down the barriers that are preventing individuals from accessing the nutritious foods they need to live a healthy life.”
As part of the Challenge, other financial institutions, businesses, and individuals are encouraged to make a secure online donation to Maine Credit Unions’ Campaign for Ending Hunger. Some credit unions also are accepting donations at their branches. A portion of the donations generated online (25%) will directly benefit Good Shepherd Food Bank.
“The Challenge truly is a testament to our credit union network’s ongoing to commitment to ensuring no Mainer goes to bed hungry,” shared Jen Burke, League Assistant Vice President of Outreach and Communications. “In prior years, we facilitated our $100,000 Challenge during the month of June but moved it to October to coincide with the celebration of International Credit Union Day, happening on October 17. This special day commemorates the work credit unions do year-round to advance their communities and improve the financial lives of their members. Hosting the Challenge in the fall is a great way to honor the merits of this international celebration, while also helping our neighbors in need.”
The League has created a variety of collateral materials to help your credit union engage your members and volunteers in our Challenge efforts. Visit the League’s website for logos, social media graphics, draft communications, and more!
“We see firsthand how hunger impacts families and communities across Maine, and the support from Maine’s credit unions through the $100,000 Ending Hunger Challenge makes a meaningful difference,” stated Heather Paquette, President of Good Shepherd Food Bank of Maine. “By coming together through initiatives like this the Food Bank, alongside our 600 partner agencies, can provide more nutritious and culturally relevant meals and work toward a future where no Mainer has to worry about where their next meal will come from. We are deeply grateful for the Maine Credit Unions’ Campaign to End Hunger’s unwavering commitment to ending hunger in our state.”