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At a time when community support has become crucial to local organizations, Maine State CU announced it donated over $250,000 to area animal shelters, food banks, and community groups in 2023. The money was raised through a combination of employee and member-based programs, including its new Drive for Good program and its participation in Maine Credit Unions’ Campaign for Ending Hunger.
“Maine State CU has a long-standing tradition of supporting local organizations through its annual Ending Hunger in Maine Campaign,” said Stephen Wallace, President and CEO of Maine State CU. He further added that in 2023, the credit union introduced a new program called Drive for Good, in which the credit unions donates $25 to a local organization for every direct vehicle loan. The program raised over $10,000 in its first year—offering members the chance to select a local organization close to where they live to support. Charities benefiting from this program focus on helping animals, youth services, and hunger.
Maine State CU’s annual Ending Hunger Campaign had a record-breaking year in 2023, raising over $105,000. The funds will be distributed to local food pantries and organizations that participate in the Campaign at its annual Ending Hunger breakfast on April 1 at the Senator Inn in Augusta.
Stacey Dow kicks off last year’s 5k event with Peter and Parker Dow.
The credit union coordinates fundraisers throughout the year to support the Campaign, but their largest event is the annual Feed ME 5k Walk to End Hunger. The event takes place along Augusta’s waterfront and provides local hunger-relief organizations an opportunity to raise money to support their work. This year’s Feed ME 5k will take place on April 27 at 9:00 am.
Organizations that participate in the Feed ME 5k Walk to End Hunger receive funds based on the amount of money that they raise. The funds are then used to help community members who are struggling with food insecurity.
Maine State CU’s Ending Hunger Campaign, led by Stacey Dow, uses various means to raise money, including cash calendars, bake sales, and jeans days. In addition to the upcoming Feed ME 5k, the credit union plans to host other fundraising events for smaller hunger-relief organizations across the Midcoast and in Cumberland County later this year.
Maine State CU also continued its support for the Maine Community College System and Maine Maritime Academy (MMA) with donations to the Normand Dubreuil Scholarship Fund. This fund is managed by the Community College System and MMA, and provides funds to Mainers seeking to continue their education.
“I am proud to lead an organization where employees are always thinking of ways to give back and help local communities thrive,” shared Wallace. “I’m certain that these are just the beginning of many more to come.”
To learn more about Drive of Good or to participate in this year’s Feed Me 5k Walk to End Hunger visit, MaineStateCU.org.