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Credit unions have been working hard all year to raise funds to support Maine Credit Unions’ Campaign for Ending Hunger. With only a few weeks left to secure donations, the League is already making plans for our annual fundraising results luncheon. The event, taking place on February 10 in Freeport, will recognize the tremendous, collaborative effort made by our movement to address food insecurity in 2024. In addition to recognizing top credit union fundraisers and the Campaign’s overall results, attendees will hear how the Campaign helped organizations across Maine provide nutritious meals to feed our neighbors in need.
“I look forward to our Ending Hunger Luncheon each year because it provides me a special opportunity to thank my credit union colleagues for their tireless dedication to this critical effort,” shared Jen Burke, League AVP – Communications & Outreach. “Advancing our movement’s work to combat hunger is deeply important to me both personally and professionally. I know this is a sentiment shared by so many in our industry here in Maine, which is why this annual luncheon is one of my favorite events to attend during the year.”
The special event will feature a keynote from Matthew Martin, Development Coordinator with EndHungerNE (a part of The Outreach Program, a 501 (c)(3) corporation that organizes food packaging events around the country). End HungerNE and its dedicated team of volunteers work across New England – including here in Maine – to pack healthy meals for individuals and families facing food insecurity. Martin will offer an overview of his organization’s work and how it has provided over 47.4 million meals since 2011 to feed people in need. He also will share how he mobilizes community members, area nonprofits, and local businesses to engage in the fight to end hunger.
Martin’s story and his organization’s mission are sure to inspire Maine credit unions as we embark on another year of fund- and awareness-raising to combat hunger.
Online registration is now open! Visit the League’s website to secure your credit union’s spot for lunch. Credit unions are asked to limit their registrants to three per credit union. Additional guests may be accommodated as space allows. Please contact Jen Burke at jburke@mainecul.org if your credit union would like to register more than three team members.
About Matthew Martin
Matthew Martin
In 2009, Martin was living in Northern Minnesota with his wife and children and working as a Lutheran pastor. After his wife suggested a move to New England, the Martins moved to Quincy, Massachusetts. During the first 18 months of his tenure at a local Lutheran church in Quincy, he engaged with other pastors in a process called Doing What Matters, which challenged them to “go where love leads and serve where love calls.” Martin had previously participated in efforts to address hunger globally and during this process, he felt compelled to leave the ministry to focus on efforts to end hunger in New England. After conducting some research, he met the CEO/Founder of The Outreach Program and started EndHungerNE in 2011, which has been feeding underserved New Englanders ever since.