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As credit unions prove time and time again, the 'people helping people' philosophy extends far beyond financial services. With Hurricane Harvey and its after affects causing billions of dollars of damage in Texas and other parts of the southeast, Maine credit unions are once again stepping up to help. While rain and flooding were still pounding Houston and other areas, the League activated its online giving platform CU Aid (www.cuaid.coop/maine) to accept donations. 100% of all contributions through CU Aid will go directly to help credit unions, members and communities as they begin to start the long rebuilding effort.
When Maine Credit Union League President Todd Mason reached out to his counterpart at the Cornerstsone Credit Union League, offering assistance as she helps , she was moved by the gesture. "My goodness, I love this movement because of its generosity and kindness," Willard told Mason. "In just a few short days, Maine credit unions have contributed nearly $20,000 to relief efforts, and we will continue to raise funds and pursue other ways we may be of assistance in the coming days and weeks," Mason explained.
While a number of credit unions have made corporate contributions and posted links on their websites and spread the word through social media, some Maine CUs are doing special fundraising efforts to increase contributions. In Bangor, Changing Seasons FCU is part of a 'Bangor Can' fundraiser for Texas. The campaign is encouraging people to drop off bottles and cans at a local redemption center and the CU is one of several area businesses that are providing funding for matching donations. At Five County CU, employees can wear jeans for a $25 contribution from September 1-16, and the CU will match all contributions. "In just 24 hours, we had already raised more than $600, which will double with our contribution," said Julie Marquis, President/CEO of Five County CU.
The Maine Credit Union League has also set up a special Disaster Relief page on its website with pictures and other information on this and other disasters that have benefited from CU Aid. "CU Aid is a great tool that we can use to collect contributions safely and securely in a short amount of time. We have a long history of helping contribute to disaster relief not just in our state, but across the country and, in some cases, the world," stated Jon Paradise, Vice President of Governmental and Public Affairs for the Maine Credit Union League.
To make a contribution, please click here.