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Included in the above photo are the following planning members from the Lewiston-area walk: Kris Baker; Karen Pelletier; Rebecca LaBrie; Heidi Stoddard; Erin Dunn-Kimball; Shantel Fournier; Eric Spear; and Ben Fournier.
Credit unions across Maine are known for their deep commitment to community. Whether it’s financial literacy outreach, fraud prevention for older members, or stepping up in times of local need, the People Helping People philosophy is central to everything we do.
This fall, credit unions have a meaningful opportunity to put that philosophy into action by participating in one of the Alzheimer’s Association of Maine’s Walks to End Alzheimer’s. With Maine holding the distinction of having the oldest median age in the country, Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia have become increasingly significant issues for the families and communities we serve. Lending our support to this cause is a powerful way to align our values with a mission that affects so many of our members and their loved ones.
Two credit union professionals are already leading the charge. Shantel Fournier, AVP of Mortgage & Business Lending at Maine Family FCU, and Erin M. Dunn-Kimball, Marketing Specialist at Community CU, are serving on the planning committee for the Lewiston event scheduled for October 4.
Motivated to Help
Fournier shared her “why” for getting involved with this year’s local effort in her community.
“I joined the Walk to End Alzheimer’s Planning Committee because this cause is deeply personal to me. I lost my grandmother to Alzheimer’s in 2017…Volunteering has always been important to me, and it aligns with the credit union philosophy of People Helping People. While this work is a little different, raising funds and awareness is a powerful way to honor loved ones and work toward a future where Alzheimer’s no longer steals memories.”
Dunn-Kimball’s heartfelt motivation to engage is rooted in her personal experience as a caregiver.
“Caregiving broke me open but the love for my Gram, and the support of those beside me, forged something deeper within me…I have joined the Alzheimer’s of Maine Lakes & Mountains Walk Committee and invite credit union peers across the state to join me on my walk on October 4th or find a walk near you.”
Find Your “Why” to Walk
Credit unions already do important work to protect their older members, especially when it comes to fraud prevention and financial wellness. Participating in a Walk to End Alzheimer’s—either by forming a team, walking individually, or supporting a local event—is a natural and visible extension of that commitment.
It’s also an opportunity to unite with other industry professionals, celebrate the lives of those affected, and support the ongoing research and care efforts that the Alzheimer’s Association leads.
Locating a Walk Near You
There are five walks scheduled throughout Maine this fall:
- Fort Kent (Northern Maine Walk)– September 20, 2025
- Waterville (Kennebec Valley Walk) – September 27, 2025
- York Beach (Maine Beaches Walk) – September 27, 2025
- Lewiston (Lakes & Mountains Walk) – October 4, 2025
- Brunswick (Midcoast Walk) – October 4, 2025
- Bangor (Eastern Maine Walk) – October 11, 2025
- Portland (Greater Portland Walk) – October 18, 2025
To register or learn more, visit the Walk to End Alzheimer’s Maine page and narrow your search by state. Get inspired and walk together—for your members, loved ones, and a future without Alzheimer’s.