At a ceremony attended by New Hampshire Governor Maggie Hassan, officials from the New Hampshire Electric Co-op and Northway Bank capped one of the largest-ever fundraising campaigns for the New Hampshire Food Bank with the presentation of a check for $258,427.
The NHEC and Northway Bank Food Bank Challenge was launched in September 2013 with the goal of raising $150,000 for the state’s only Food Bank, which annually donates nearly 10 million pounds of food to be distributed at 400 agencies across the state to the estimated one in nine residents in the state who are considered “food insecure.”
The campaign got a big boost when the NHEC Foundation announced it would match up to $70,000 of the total raised and Northway Bank would match an additional $40,000. Donations came from all over the state – from businesses and individuals, including employees of New Hampshire Electric Co-op and Northway Bank who participated via a payroll deduction program.
On March 24, officials from both companies met with Governor Hassan in the Executive Council chambers to present the donation check to New Hampshire Food Bank Executive Director Mel Gosselin.
“We have so many thank you’s to make as we wrap up this hugely successful campaign,” said Earl Hansen, Chairman of the New Hampshire Electric Co-op Board of Directors. “The size of this donation and the number of people involved in making it happen says a lot about this state and the generosity of its people. The power of partnering with Northway Bank and the New Hampshire Food Bank proved to be a great match.”
“We couldn’t be prouder of the partnership with the New Hampshire Electric Co-op and the New Hampshire Food Bank. Our customers and associates opened their hearts and their wallets in amazing ways. We have a 133-year history of serving the citizens of the Granite State and are committed to doing our part in eliminating food insecurity within our communities.” said Dawn Champiny, Senior VP of Northway Bank.
“The generosity of New Hampshire Electric Co-op, Northway Bank, their employees and the many businesses and individuals who supported the NHEC and Northway Bank Food Bank Challenge is truly inspiring. We are very grateful to everyone who took part in this very successful challenge and helped to provide 516,854 meals to the one in nine men, women, and children in need in our state,” said Mel Gosselin, Executive Director of the New Hampshire Food Bank.
About the New Hampshire Food Bank
The New Hampshire Food Bank, a program of Catholic Charities New Hampshire, has been working to relieve hunger in the Granite State since 1984. As the state’s only food bank, the New Hampshire Food Bank efficiently procures and distributes over 8.5 million pounds of food to people in need through more than 400 non-profit registered agencies. Agencies include food pantries, neighborhood centers, low-income housing sites, senior nutrition centers, family crisis centers, hospices, soup kitchens, emergency shelters, after school programs, and day care centers. For more information about the New Hampshire Food Bank, please visit NHFoodBank.org.
About the NHEC Foundation
The NHEC Foundation is a non-profit 501(c)(3) fund that is funded by members of New Hampshire Electric Co-op who agree to have their monthly electric bills rounded up to the next dollar with the proceeds benefiting the Foundation. Since its start in 2006, the NHEC Foundation has awarded more than $2 million to non-profit groups that contribute to the quality of life in New Hampshire.
About Northway Bank
Northway Bank proudly serves the financial needs of consumer, small business, and commercial customers throughout New Hampshire. As a local business with 18 banking centers, 225 associates, and a full range of banking and investment solutions, Northway Bank strives to support customers, businesses, and communities by working to achieve more rewarding and financially secure futures. For more information, visit NorthwayBank.com.