Maine Credit Unions raise funds for flood victims

    The Maine Credit Union League, in conjunction with the Aroostook Chapter of Credit Unions and the National Credit Union Foundation (NCUF), has launched a safe and secure website, www.cuaid.coop/maine, to collect contributions for credit unions in Aroostook County to grant emergency, immediate aid to credit union members affected by the worst-flooding in that region in 100 years.
    In the first week that the web site has been active, contributions are approaching $10,000. All of the funds donated go directly to the cause and are not taxable to the recipients, according to a credit union statement.
    The site was activated due to the significant flooding recently experienced in the northern portions of Aroostook County, primarily in the St. John River Valley that borders Canada.
    The disaster comes on the heels of a record winter snowfall that had already created hardships for many in that area. The flooding forced the evacuation of hundreds of homes.
    In response to this disaster, credit unions in Aroostook County are distributing applications for assistance at credit union locations throughout the county. Grant applications for assistance can also be found at www.cuaid.coop/maine.
    Additionally, Aroostook County credit unions are selling paper hands that members can purchase to make a donation to the flood victims. An example of the credit union philosophy of “people helping people,” the helping hands effort has already raised $1,000.
    According to the Maine Credit Union League, credit union members in Aroostook County stands at 55 percent, meaning more than half of the nearly 75,000 residents of Aroostook County use a credit union.
    John Murphy, President of the Maine Credit Union League, said, “The credit union movement has a strong history of responding in times of crisis, and this is evident in the way that credit unions are already answering this call for help. We are glad we are able to move quickly in getting fundraising efforts underway to help, and make a difference to those in need at this difficult time.”
    To make a safe and secure donation to the fundraising effort to assist credit unions in helping members in Aroostook County, visit www.cuaid.coop/maine and click on the Donate Now link.
    Formed in 1938, the Maine Credit Union is the State Trade Association for Maine’s 68 member credit unions providing a variety of services and products to assist credit unions in meeting the needs of their membership. For more information, visit www.mainecul.org.