March 17, 2008 On Monday, March 17, in a ceremony called "The Giving of the Green," Maine's credit unions, through the Maine Credit Unions' Campaign for Ending Hunger, made a donation of $10,000 to the Good Shepherd Food-Bank. The donation was given in memory of JoAnn Pike, the Founder of Good Shepherd Food Bank. Good Shepherd Food Bank is the primary source of where 95% of the hunger organizations in Maine purchase food.
Pike began the Good Shepherd nearly 29 years ago and served as its Executive Director until February of 2004. JoAnn passed away of cancer on March 17, 2004. Two days after Pike passed away, Maine credit unions were the first to make a significant contribution in her memory. Every year since, Maine's credit unions have made a donation in her memory to mark the anniversary of her death and to remember the long-time hunger pioneer and, with today's contribution, Maine's credit unions have contributed more than $50,000 in Pike's memory.
"Maine's credit unions are proud to continue their partnership with the Good Shepherd Food Bank, an organization that began with the vision of JoAnn Pike, who dedicated her life to helping Maine's hungry," said Jon Paradise, Governmental & Public Affairs Manager for the Maine Credit Union League. "JoAnn's life of giving to others truly reflects the credit union philosophy of 'People Helping People'."
Rick Small, Executive Director of Good Shepherd Food Bank, accepted the contribution and thanked Maine's credit unions "for remembering JoAnn and being a wonderful example of the spirit of partnership that JoAnn began and continues today between our organizations. Maine's credit unions are great friends of Good Shepherd Food Bank and to the hundreds of food pantries we serve throughout Maine. Today's contribution will purchase in excess of 50,000 meals for hungry Mainers."
Maine's Credit Unions recently announced that in 2007, the 18th year of the Campaign, a new record of $366,575.80, a 15% increase over 2006, was raised towards this cause. Since 1990, the Maine Credit Unions' Campaign for Ending Hunger has raised over $2.7 million to help end hunger in Maine.
|
