January 28, 2008 On Monday, January 28, Maine's credit unions were joined by Maine's First Lady, Karen Baldacci, at a ceremony at the Maine Credit Union League and announced that the 2007 Maine Credit Unions' Campaign for Ending Hunger raised the most funds ever for the Campaign. The total amount raised in 2007 is $366,575.80, a 15% increase over 2006. Of that amount, 100% stays in Maine and is distributed back to food pantries and hunger organizations in Maine. On hand to acknowledge this significant accomplishment and to present the distribution of funds was Maine's First Lady, Karen Baldacci. Mrs. Baldacci praised Maine?s credit unions for "continuing to answer a call to action for a cause that affects thousands of Maine families. Thank you for your leadership in raising funds and awareness about this cause in Maine." She also spoke about the increased need facing many Mainers this year because of higher fuel prices and other economic issues. In addition, 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.
"The 2007 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 and, because of the incredible success of this year's Campaign, all credit unions that participated will receive at least 92% of the funds it raised back to distribute to hunger organizations in their local communities. The remaining funds are contributed to Statewide Initiatives including the Food Mobile, the Red Cross Emergency Relief Fund, and other important causes," explained Jon Paradise, Governmental & Public Affairs Manager for the Maine Credit Union League. "The funds are sorely needed as food pantries are seeing a significant increase in requests."
Since 1990, the Maine Credit Unions' Campaign for Ending Hunger has raised over $2.7 million to help end hunger in Maine.
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