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The build-up was worth it - to the tune of an increase of $65,000 over the previous record worth it. In an announcement that was attended by nearly 100 credit union representatives, the fundraising total from the 2017 Maine CUs' Campaign for Ending Hunger was announced on Tuesday. To loud applause and cheers, the Campaign announced that a record-setting $740,000 was raised in 2017, more than $65,000 over the previous record. The event included an inspiring and celebratory speech on the importance of giving back by Devon Harris, a three-time Olympian with the Jamaican bobsled team and one of the real-life figures behind the blockbuster movie, Cool Runnings.
In his remarks, Harris discussed his own experiences with hunger. "I remember always being hungry because there was never enough. Often times, I would go to the cupboard and it would be empty. Those memories stay with me to this day so I always try to help now that I am able to. I applaud the credit unions for taking on this cause. You are making a difference in the lives of people, especially kids. What you are doing could mean the difference between a kid succeeding or not - and that is the truth."
Todd Mason, President of the Maine CU League, spoke prior to introducing Harris and highlighted the struggle with hunger that exists in Maine. "Hunger is widespread throughout our state with nearly 17% of us that don't have enough to eat. Because credit unions are rooted in our communities, we are in a unique position to help those most in need. This Campaign is what cooperation can and should be, and represents what we can accomplish together."
In addition to announcing a new record, the Campaign also announced it has surpassed another milestone - more than $8 million has now been raised by the Campaign since 1990. "When you consider that a little under $25,000 was raised that first year, it's a pretty amazing amount," remarked Jon Paradise, Vice President of Public Affairs and Engagement at the Maine CU League, prior to announcing the total.