MEXICO — Throughout the month of May, _Oxford Federal Credit Union carried out a campaign, Operation Brighter Days” designed to help lift the spirits of their staff, members and communities, reminding them that brighter days are ahead despite the COVID-19 pandemic.
The idea for the campaign came together when Tammy Daigle, vice-president support, wanted to find some way to show appreciation to staff while Lisa Marston, marketing director, was looking for ways to help the community as a whole.
“For phase 1, we wanted to thank our incredible employees for weathering this pandemic ‘storm,’ Daigle explained, adding “for being courageous, financial first responders and working through their own fears and anxiety to focus on providing important services for our members.”
Each staff member received an Oxford FCU-branded beach towel, a hanging flower basket (purchased from local small businesses), and two gift cards so they could have the opportunity to pay it forward and create a brighter day for someone else
Phase 2 of ‘Operation Brighter Days’ offered small businesses in Oxford County the opportunity to advertise the fact that they were once again open or opening soon. “These have been difficult times for small businesses,”Marston noted. “With restrictions being eased and places opening up, I thought we could use the digital roadside signs we have at both our branches to help spread the word for them.” These announcements were in rotation on the signs for almost two weeks through the end of May.
The third phase of the campaign was designed simply to make people smile. “We sent whoopie pies to the staff at Maine Veterans’ Home in South Paris,” Marston said, “and then we worked with Frosty Delite Ice Cream Shop in Mexico to surprise some customers with free ice cream.”
The final piece of the operation involved making donations of money and reusable grocery bags to some local food pantries. “We participate in Maine Credit Unions’ Campaign for Ending Hunger, and funds raised go directly back into the community,” Daigle said. Donations to six food pantries, totaling $5000.00 were made, capping off the month-long campaign.
Stories and photos have been shared on Oxford FCU’s Facebook and Instagram pages. For more information about the Campaign for Ending Hunger, visit mainecreditunions.org/endinghunger.
The credit union has branched in Mexico and Norway.
