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GARDINER — International Credit Union Day — this year the 70th anniversary of the designation — is Thursday, Oct. 18, a day set aside to celebrate the worldwide credit union movement.
Gardiner Federal Credit Union is celebrating 65 years of serving the families of Gardiner and surrounding communities.
The credit union team members feels they owe the success of their business and their many fund-raising events to their members and to their community.
“It’s true that the members are the backbone of our organization,” said Kelly Marie, marketing specialist for GFCU. “Without their accounts, their loans, their loyalty and their trust, we would not exist.” Still, it is very heartening to have community members, who are “not yet” Credit Union members show up and support their many fund-raising activities.
“We like to say there is always something going on at Gardiner FCU,” she said.
Ending Hunger is GFCU’s number one cause, supported by a Chili/Chowder day, selling hearts in February, holding an annual yard sale, running a cash calendar, hosting the annual spaghetti supper & auction, selling Thanksgiving pies and tickets for a holiday 50/50. Through their efforts and a small contribution from the Maine Credit Union League, Gardiner donated more than $20,000 this past year to nine area agencies and food pantries. They do all of this annually, as well as some raffles throughout the year, and have been actively involved with Ending Hunger for more than 15 years.
“This is where our community comes in. We have extremely generous credit union members, as well as community members,” noted Marie. “They donate items for our yard sale, they purchase our cash calendars and attend our chili/chowder day and annual cookout for Special Olympics of Maine. They all step up to help us help others.”
Gardiner FCU likewise supports community events, sports teams, the Farmer’s Market, Johnson Hall’s Summer Concert Series, the fireworks at River Fest and more. The organization is involved with Gardiner Main Street, Johnson Hall and the Rotary Clubs of Gardiner and Augusta.
“Helping our communities thrive is in the best interest of all area families and business owners,” Marie added.
In a show of thanks to friends and members and to celebrate International Credit Union Day, Gardiner FCU invites the public to stop by Dave’s Diner in Gardiner for a free cup of coffee, sponsored by the Credit Union. The first 200 cups of coffee served that day will be paid for by the credit union. Owners Dave and Paula Tourtellotte are two of the greatest supporters and have provided free catering for GFCU’s spaghetti dinner for years, even hosting it at the diner after hours.
“Sure, we could have invited everyone to the credit union for coffee,” Marie said, but we wanted to reach as many community members as credit union members. Dave’s Diner is a local meeting and eating spot, and it just made sense to partner with them again.”
