“Maine People Helping Maine People”
Each year, nearly all of Maine’s credit unions–including OTIS Federal Credit Union–participate in the Maine Credit Unions’ Campaign for Ending Hunger. Since 1990, the year that this collective effort began, Maine’s credit unions have raised and distributed more than $8 million to help end hunger in Maine.
Over the course of the 2017 calendar year, OTIS FCU raised $7,195.22 for the cause of Ending Hunger. Specific fundraisers undertaken by the credit union, many of which are annual, included two 50/50 raffles, a Longaberger Calendar Raffle, Mothers’ and Fathers’ Day raffles, a planter raffle, two book sales, and a yard sale. OTIS participated in four statewide raffles to benefit Ending Hunger as well. Additional funds were raised via the credit union’s sale of handmade bowl warmers, handmade pot holders, grocery totes, and movie passes, and a $5.00 donation was made from every $25.00 Skip-A-Payment fee assessed on loans. All funds raised stay within our community and will be disbursed to several local food pantries.
Vice President Darice Dubreuil and Compliance Officer & Training Specialist Ben Roberts are pictured with Devon Harris, captain of the first Jamaican bobsled team in 1988 at the Calgary Olympics. Harris served as the guest speaker at this year’s Ending Hunger Luncheon, which was held at on February 6, 2018 at the Double Tree Hotel in South Portland.
How the Ending Hunger Campaign Works
Participating credit unions raise funds for the Campaign at various times throughout the year. However, the primary period of fundraising is in the fall from September – December.
- All money raised is distributed to hunger organizations and food pantries throughout Maine.
- 100% of all of the money raised by credit unions stays in Maine and goes directly to the cause of ending hunger. All administrative costs are covered by the Maine CU League’s Social Responsibility Committee.
- The month of November is designated as ending hunger month in Maine and Maine’s credit unions are usually involved in a variety of food drives and fundraising activities for ending hunger.
To make a tax-deductible contribution to the Campaign, please visit OTIS FCU, or mail a contribution and make checks payable to:
Maine Credit Unions’ Campaign for Ending Hunger
ATTN: 2017 Campaign
PO Box 1236
Portland ME 04104
Statistics on Hunger in Maine
- More than 40% of Maine kids under the age of 12 show some evidence of hunger
- 68,950 Maine children are food insecure
- New data shows that 17% of Maine households, representing 200,000 people, experience food insecurity. Maine ranks 13th in the nation in food insecurity and first in New England. In addition, a new report from the Good Shepherd Food Bank found that nearly 40,000 people a week were being provided with food assistance from one of its 640 member agencies. This is double what was originally estimated.
- Hunger and the risk of hunger are widespread among Maine’s low-income families with children
- The likelihood of experiencing hunger or the risk of hunger is directly related to income
- Children living in households which experienced hunger or the risk of hunger are more likely to experience health or school-related problems.
- Several groups are found to be at greater risk of hunger in Maine; children, adults in low income families, disabled persons, persons with special needs, the elderly, those living in rural regions and the inner cities of Maine’s largest urban places.
- Several factors contribute to hunger in Maine; including income growth that is outpaced by cost of living; high level of underemployment; widening gap between rich and poor; illiteracy; and lack of consumer information on nutrition.
