Hunger walk success

    The final totals and results from the sixth annual Maine Credit Unions’ Ending Hunger Walking Tour were announced at a special ceremony at the Maine Credit Union League. At the event, Maine’s credit unions recognized the hard work and dedication of Brenda Davis, executive director of Cross Roads Ministries, a food pantry that serves thousands in eastern Maine, with a special plaque and also announced that this year’s Tour set new records by raising and contributing $25,000 to the cause of ending hunger.    In addition, the Tour visited a record-setting 52 communities and made contributions to 52 food pantries, one in each community, and covered 755 miles on foot, also a new record. Combined, the Tour traveled 1,800 miles by foot and car. In Aroostook County, the Tour visited and made contributions in Caribou, Fort Kent, Houlton, Madawaska and St. Agatha.
    In recognizing Davis and announcing the results, Luke Labbe, president/CEO of PeoplesChoice CU and the chair of the Maine Credit Union League’s Social Responsibility Committee, which coordinates the Tour, remarked, “During the month-long journey, there was a common theme this year, the need for food assistance is on the rise and the need for help is great. From Kittery to Fort Kent and everywhere in between, the rising costs of everything from fuel to food has taken its toll on thousands of Mainers. Thanks to the dedication of Brenda Davis to the cause of ending hunger and our unique partnership with her, this year’s Maine Credit Unions’ Ending Hunger Walking Tour has, in some small way, helped to again make a difference in the lives of Maine people who otherwise might have gone hungry.”
    Started in 2002, the Tour is an effort by Maine’s credit unions and Davis to build awareness about hunger in Maine during November, which has been designated as Ending Hunger month.