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On Tuesday, February 6, representatives from Maine’s credit unions gathered at the Double Tree Hotel for the 2017 Ending Hunger Campaign Results Celebration Luncheon. At this annual event, credit unions are recognized for raising funds for the Maine Credit Unions’ Campaign for Ending Hunger. The official, record-breaking total for 2017 was announced: $740,027.35, a new fundraising milestone. In addition, the Campaign also surpassed the $8 million in funds raised in its 28-year history. Three-time Olympian with the Jamaican Bobsled team and one of the inspirations for the Disney blockbuster movie, Cool Runnings, 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.”
“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,” explained Todd Mason, President/CEO of the Maine Credit Union League. “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.”
“Giving back is both selfless and selfish. It is selfless because you are helping others, and selfish because it makes you feel good. Keep being selfless and selfish when it comes to ending hunger because people need you.”
Since 1990, the Maine Credit Unions’ Campaign for Ending Hunger has raised more than $8 million to help end hunger in Maine. All contributions to the Campaign are tax-deductible. For the 2017 Campaign, 100% of the state’s credit unions participated in fundraising efforts.