Hunger walk tour raises almost $10,000

OLD TOWN – The second annual Maine Credit Unions’ Ending Hunger Walking Tour came to a fruitful end Nov. 25 at the Penobscot County Federal Credit Union in Old Town. Brenda Davis, executive director of Cross Roads Ministries, completed her monthlong journey after having raised almost $10,000, nearly doubling her efforts from last year.

In the bright sunshine and brisk breeze, Davis, with an enormous smile on her face, crossed the finish line in her signature plastic yellow construction hat. She was then presented a final check for $1,000 from the Maine Credit Unions’ Campaign for Ending Hunger.

“Thousands of meals will be served to people in eastern Maine because of the combined efforts of myself and Maine credit unions,” Davis said. “Their continued support is so inspiring, I am already looking forward to next year’s walk.”

From Madawaska to Sanford, Davis traveled more than 500 miles, visited 70 credit unions and 45 communities. The most moving time during her journey was in Waterville, where she witnessed someone eating out of a garbage can.

“It really hit home then. It was truly heartbreaking,” she said.

Jon Paradise, governmental and public affairs manager of the Maine Credit Union League, said: “Hunger exists throughout Maine and it is truly inspirational to enable Davis to make a difference. The Maine Credit Unions’ Campaign for Ending Hunger is pleased to partner with Davis and put the spotlight on hunger in Maine.”

Since 1990 the Maine Credit Unions’ Campaign for Ending Hunger has raised more than $1.32 million to help end hunger in Maine.