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The efforts of Maine’s credit unions to raise not only funds but also awareness for the issue of hunger in Maine is receiving significant attention these days. From a significant gift that purchased more than 50,000 meals for hungry Mainers for the holidays to an initiative to help college students who are hungry at campuses across Maine, Maine CUs are again leaders on this issue.
“Our comprehensive approach to ending hunger in Maine is, of course, focused on raising funds but also, and nearly as important, is raising awareness that hunger is a problem that impacts all regions and all demographics in our state. It’s great to see more credit unions embracing this two-pronged approach,” remarked Jon Paradise, Vice President of Public Affairs and Engagement in Maine.
Paradise pointed to the month-long initiative that University Credit Union is undertaking at a number of UMaine campuses across Maine. “UCU is focusing attention on a growing issue that hasn’t drawn a lot of attention – hunger among college students. The Campus Hunger initiative has not only included raising funds but included recent op-ed pieces that have run in Maine newspapers about this problem.”
In addition to the newspaper articles, there have been multiple segments on the issue of hunger and what Maine CUs are doing to help that have aired on TV stations recently including in the Portland, Bangor and Presque Isle TV markets. “This keeps the issue front and center, where it needs to be,” added Paradise.
Contributions to the Maine CUs’ Campaign for Ending Hunger can be made at anytime at any credit union branch or online at www.mainecul.org. 100% of all funds contributed go directly to the cause and stay in Maine.
Since 1990, the Maine Credit Unions’ Campaign for Ending Hunger has raised $7.2 million to help end hunger in Maine.