The credit union commitment to ‘people helping people’ is felt both by credit union members, and throughout the communities in which CU employees work and live. The way Maine credit unions care for their communities is not only what keeps members returning to their local branches—it is also what drives these dedicated members and staff to continue reaching out to people in need. Credit unions provide support and assistance to their members, staff and community through a variety of initiatives such as school activities, serving on boards, donating blood, working at soup kitchens, and participating in a variety of other events and activities.

Jon Paradise, Governmental & Public Affairs Manager for the Maine Credit Union League, explained, “Maine credit unions are about serving their members and communities. Without fail, both staff and members of Maine credit unions embrace the credit union philosophy of ‘people helping people’ each day, not because they have to, but because it is the right thing to do.”

In the past eight years, Maine credit unions have contributed more than 148,000 volunteer hours, including 23,945.5 hours in 2009. Maine credit unions participate in a unique volunteer program, Credit Unions Share for ME, which documents the hours spent helping others by credit union staff, directors and volunteers.

In the spirit of ‘People Remembering & Helping People’, Maine Credit Unions’ Campaign for Ending Hunger made an annual donation totaling $7,055 to Maine’s Red Cross Chapters Maine Emergency Food Relief Fund and to a food pantry located in each Chapter’s region in honor of the victims of September 11. Since 2002, the Campaign has contributed $52,055 to these efforts in Maine.

These volunteer efforts directly impact the people in Maine who most need assistance. For example, in 2010, more than $25,000 was raised for the Maine Children’s Cancer Program through the efforts of a three-on-three basketball tournament, The 16th Annual Swish-Out Childhood Cancer Challenge, which is coordinated by Maine’s credit unions. Since the tournament began in 1994, the event has raised more than $173,000 for the Maine Children’s Cancer Program. 100% of the funds raised from this event go directly to the program, allowing all funds to stay in the state of Maine. Next year’s event will be held on Sunday, February 13, 2011, at the University of Southern Maine in Gorham. 

Visit www.mainecul.org to see what Maine’s credit unions are doing in your town, county and across the state. Visit your local credit union to find out more on how you can help your credit union help others in your community!