Critter campaign raises funds for disaster relief
By Scott Mitchell Johnson
Staff Writer
For the 11th consecutive season, Katahdin Trust Co. held its Valentine’s Day Cute, Cuddly Critter Campaign to help raise funds for the local American Red Cross-Pine Tree Chapter disaster relief fund. All of the bank’s 14 branch offices in northern Maine displayed and sold the stuffed animals for $10 each from Jan. 10 through Feb. 14.
Staff photo/Scott Mitchell Johnson
BANK OFFICIALS at the Presque Isle branch of Katahdin Trust Co. donated a check totaling $7,700 last Tuesday to the American Red Cross-Pine Tree Chapter’s disaster relief fund. From Jan. 10-Feb. 14, all of the bank’s 14 branch offices in northern Maine sold stuffed animals for $10 each as part of its Valentine’s Day Cute, Cuddly Critter Campaign. Attending the check presentation were, from left: Diane Green, assistant vice president and manager of the Presque Isle office of Katahdin Trust Co.; Joyce Knorr, Aroostook County Branch manager of the Pine Tree Chapter; and Vicki Smith, senior vice president of marketing and communications at Katahdin Trust Co. Proceeds from this fundraiser help the American Red Cross provide emergency shelter, food, clothing, infant supplies, medical equipment and recovery resources to local friends, neighbors and loved ones who experience a fire, flood or other disaster.
Last Tuesday, bank officials at the Presque Isle branch donated a check totaling $7,700 to the American Red Cross.
“The teamwork of the staff members at Katahdin Trust Co. is fantastic. Every year, the bank’s staff is so excited to set up their displays when the critters arrive in January,” said Joyce Knorr, Aroostook County branch manager of the Pine Tree Chapter. “They have the best time showing them to their customers and community members who come in to purchase a sweet, lovable, stuffed animal.
“And we are so appreciative to the community for making this campaign another success during tough economic times,” she said. “Both the bank’s and customers’ continued support is so valuable and certainly makes a difference in the lives of many who experience a devastating loss.”
This year’s assortment of cuddly critters included limited numbers of Kevin Bear, Holly Hound, Domino Dalmatian, Poppy Penguin and Josh Bear. Making their debut were Brantley Bear, Heidi Cow, Marty Moose and Sleepy Sheep.
Proceeds from this fundraiser help the American Red Cross provide emergency shelter, food, clothing, infant supplies, medical equipment and recovery resources to local friends, neighbors and loved ones who experience a fire, flood or other disaster. These services are at no cost to the victims and are provided by generous local donations from individuals, businesses, organizations and championed fundraisers such as the Critter Campaign. The Red Cross receives no financial support from the state or federal government in providing any of their services.
“Katahdin Trust Co. is so very supportive of the needs of our community. Their hard work and generous commitment toward the Red Cross mission has helped to raise over $75,000 during the past 10 years,” Knorr said. “This really makes a difference in the lives of those who have lost everything. Disaster victims cope better in making plans for recovery when they have their basic needs supplied immediately.”
“This is such a great project for the bank and the local Red Cross office and most importantly for the victims in our local area that are struck by disaster,” said Vicki Smith, senior vice president of marketing and communications at Katahdin Trust Co. “As a local community bank, we feel it is our civic duty to give back to the areas which we serve and this is one way that we do that on an annual basis.”
