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Elise M. Baldacci
This week’s luncheon to celebrate the results of our Campaign for Ending Hunger was a powerful reminder of what we can accomplish together. Being in the same room, surrounded by credit unions from across Maine, was a powerful reminder of what makes this movement so special and so effective.
Because of your hard work and dedication, we didn’t just meet our fundraising goal—we exceeded it. That’s no small accomplishment. It reflects the time, creativity, and heart that credit unions put into this initiative year after year. It also proves something we all believe deeply: when credit unions work together, we can make a real and lasting difference in our communities.
The Campaign for Ending Hunger is a shining example of the power of cooperation. It shows that our industry is strong, trusted, and deeply connected to the people we serve, not just as financial partners, but as community leaders willing to stand together when it matters most.
While we took time to celebrate this success, we also know our work isn’t done. The need to address food insecurity in Maine continues, and it will take sustained effort and ongoing partnership to keep the momentum going. Looking ahead to 2026, we’ve set a goal of raising $1.5 million. We’ve already shown that we can reach—and even surpass—that number, but we can’t take our focus off the people who are counting on us.
Every dollar we raise in the year ahead matters, especially when just one dollar can provide two meals to someone in need. That’s a powerful reminder of how meaningful even small contributions can be when they’re multiplied by a statewide effort like ours.
Thank you for everything you’ve done to make this campaign such a success and for the energy and commitment you’ll continue to bring in the months ahead. Together, we are proving yet again that cooperation works and that credit unions are a driving force for good in Maine.