February 4, 2010 On Thursday, February 4 at the Maine Credit Union League, Maine's credit unions gathered to celebrate their efforts towards 'thawing' out hunger in Maine at the Thaw to End Hunger Celebration Event. At this annual event, the results from the 2009 Maine Credit Unions' Campaign for Ending Hunger were announced and it was revealed that a record-setting $375,923.93 was raised in 2009 by Maine's credit unions to help end hunger.
The record-setting announcement came just one day after a report released by the Good Shepherd Food Bank, Maine's largest food bank that serves more than 600 hunger organizations in the state, revealed that 36,800 Mainers now receive emergency food assistance each week from a food pantry, soup kitchen, or other agency served by Good Shepherd Food Bank. Previously, the food bank estimated that it served 18,000 people each week.
On hand to acknowledge this significant accomplishment and to present the distribution of funds was Maine's First Lady, Karen Baldacci. Mrs. Baldacci applauded Maine's credit unions and the 600,000 members "for not just being involved but making a real difference. When it comes to helping others, credit unions get it and the impact that this money will have on communities across Maine is enormous." After her remarks, Mrs. Baldacci assisted in the distribution of checks to representatives from credit unions from across the state. The checks, in turn, will be distributed by each credit union to their local area food pantries and hunger organizations. 100% of the funds raised go to help end hunger in Maine.
"The 2009 Maine Credit Unions' Campaign for Ending Hunger not only had a record setting year but it formed new relationships with food pantries across the state. These enhanced efforts are extremely important, as food pantries continue to see a significant increase in requests during these difficult times. The generosity of the 600,000 credit union members in Maine is extraordinary," explained John Murphy, President of the Maine Credit Union League.
Since 1990, the Maine Credit Unions' Campaign for Ending Hunger has raised $3.5 million to help end hunger in Maine.
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