Maine credit union members who visited their local branches this past spring may have come away with more than their cashed check or deposit slip. That’s because as part of “Share It”, a campaign designed to promote the Shared Branch Network, representatives from the Maine Credit Union League visited participating credit unions serving as a Prize Patrol, awarding random CU members with $20– $10 for them, and $10 to share with a friend or charity. The Prize Patrol also explained the benefits of Shared Branching, which allows members of participating credit unions to use more than 120 Maine credit union branches and over 4,000 branches across the country, just like their own credit union.

Share It included a statewide contest for credit unions, in which credit unions that are a part of the Shared Branch Network were asked to create a “Top 10 List” on the best reasons to use Shared Branching, or what they love to share. When Community Credit Union, located in Lewiston, ME, was revealed as the winner of Maine Credit Unions’ “Share It” competition, it was not only the credit union that came away with a prize. Community CU’s  entertaining film with an old fashioned, black and white movie look, which acted out 10 different ways Shared Branching benefits members, won the competition, and with that $500 to share with a charity of their choice.  The credit union chose A Family For Me, a collaborative program with the Maine Department of Health and Human Services that serves as Maine’s statewide recruitment initiative for foster and adoptive families.

 “Currently in Maine, 155 children are waiting for an adoptive family,” said Grace Cleaves, Executive Director for A Family For Me.  “This donation will help us connect potential adoptive parents with children whose only wish is to be a part of a family.”

Members also had an opportunity to share their creativity, and were asked to submit why they love Shared Branching, or their favorite sharing moment. The winner received $500 to share with a friend or charity, while two second place winners received a GPS System! Submissions included many great examples that showcased what Sharing Branching is all about- making life better for Maine people as they share time, money, or simply the convenience of Shared Branching.

For a complete listing of Shared Branching locations in Maine, visit the Shared Branching section of www.mainecreditunions.org. Or, for a listing of the thousands of nationwide locations, visit www.cuservicecenter.com.

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