Synergent is committed to making a difference. Not only is this accomplished through the services and support we provide to our credit union partners, but we also accomplish this through social responsibility efforts that make an impact in our community.

We are a proud managed services provider to credit unions across the country, but hunger is a significant problem within our home state of Maine.

“Maine is ranked 12th in the nation for food insecurity, but I’m afraid these numbers don’t reflect the current need,” said Todd Mason, President/CEO of Synergent and the Maine Credit Union League. “COVID-19 has dramatically changed our economy. Families who were food secure—even a few months ago—are now struggling to put food on the table. This challenge was created to help Good Shepherd Food Bank meet the growing demand for food assistance in communities across our state.”

The Campaign for Ending Hunger Challenge

Synergent has pledged $100,000 to kickstart the Campaign for Ending Hunger $100,000 Challenge. This new, month-long fundraising drive supports Good Shepherd Food Bank’s COVID-19 response and community food pantries. The campaign seeks to fundraise another $100,000 before July 4.

As part of the challenge, financial institutions, businesses, and individuals are encouraged to make an online donation to Maine Credit Unions’ Campaign for Ending Hunger. 75% of the funds raised online during the Challenge by Maine credit unions will go back to communities in the form of financial support to local food pantries and meal sites. 25% of the funds raised will benefit Good Shepherd Food Bank. 100% of the $100,000 pledged by Synergent will go directly to Good Shepherd Food Bank to support their COVID-19 response.

What is the Campaign for Ending Hunger?

All Maine credit unions participate in this signature social responsibility campaign that is the largest, non-hunger organization-based philanthropic fundraising effort to end hunger in Maine. Since 1990, the Campaign has raised over $9.4 million, including a record-breaking $832,000 raised last year. Funding for the campaign comes from four sources:

• Credit Unions: Dollars raised by individual credit unions through fundraising activities such as payroll deduction, raffles, and events;
• Chapters: Dollars raised by chapters from golf outings, auctions, and other activities;
• Maine Credit Union League and Synergent: Dollars raised by the Maine Credit Union League and Synergent from the annual golf tournament, auctions, and other activities; and
• Other: Dollars raised primarily from vendors.

“Maine credit unions have been working collaboratively to end hunger in Maine since 1990,” said Cheryl Lancaster, Executive Vice President of Member Services at Synergent and the Maine Credit Union League. “But we’ll need the public’s help to make this credit union fundraising drive successful. We are encouraging people to open their hearts and wallets to this important effort and challenge others to do the same.”

Who is Good Shepherd Food Bank?

The mission of Good Shepherd Food Bank is to eliminate hunger in Maine by improving access to nutritious food for people in need, building strong community partnerships, and mobilizing the public in the fight to end hunger. For over 35 years, Good Shepherd Food Bank has served our state.

“We are regularly surveying food pantries, meal sites, schools, and other hunger-relief partners to understand the challenges they are facing and any gaps in service,” said Kristen Miale, President of Good Shepherd Food Bank. “When asked if they are seeing an increased need, 47% responded they are seeing demand rise at every distribution. With retail donations declining, the Food Bank must purchase more items and costs are steadily rising. Fundraisers like these are vital to our operations.”

Donate Today

The Campaign for Ending Hunger $100,000 Challenge runs until July 4. Donations can be made securely online and are tax deductible. If you’d prefer, you can send a check to:

Maine Credit Unions’ Campaign for Ending Hunger
P.O. Box 1236
Portland, Maine 04104