What's More In Maine - CUs Help Build Sense Of Community On And Off The Court

In many communities across Maine, basketball is a part of the culture, history and identity! Not just for what happens on the court but also for what happens off the court. During the cold winter months, basketball games help provide a gathering place for communities to come together, put differences and challenges aside, and cheer and feel proud about where they live and the people who live in it.

In a scene that is duplicated across Maine, the fervor for basketball, especially at the high school level, is so strong that when the local teams play out of town, the saying goes, "The last one out of town turns out the lights." What is special for many communities is not the outpouring of support for teams when they win but for the comfort and reassurance they provide when they lose.

In addition to games that count, Maine credit unions also use the basketball court as a way to bring people together for a common cause. For 15 years, the Swish-Out Childhood Cancer Challenge, coordinated by Maine credit unions, has brought businesses, families and other groups together to help raise money for the Maine Children’s Cancer Program. This 3-on-3 event is Maine’s longest running, continuous charity event of its kind. Despite the state of the economy, this year’s event, held on Sunday, February 8, raised more than $25,000 for children with cancer and their families. In its history, the event has now raised more than $148,000 for this special cause.

For Maine credit unions, it is this kind of spirit and sense of community that we embrace. Maine credit unions are a place for thousands of consumers to come together to get help when times are tough not just during the good times.

As communities across Maine flock to Augusta, Bangor and Portland for the Annual "Rite of Winter" known as the High School Basketball Tournaments, Maine credit unions are again pleased to bring those games to those who can't make it to the game because of travel or other commitments. As one of eight exclusive supporters of the Maine Public Broadcasting Network's statewide coverage of 44 high school tournament games, Maine's credit unions are again demonstrating a unique commitment to the communities they serve.

By Saturday, February 28, all of the state champions will have been crowned and there will, no doubt, be celebrations in some communities and tears in others. Win or lose, though, communities will be a source of strength because that's what communities do - 'people helping people' for better or worse. Just like your local credit union...