Community Activities

4/28/08- Oxford Federal Credit Union Gives Back; Donates to Local Food Pantries

OXFORD Federal Credit Union is pleased to present cash donations to five local food pantries on Monday April 28^th at the Credit Union as part of the Maine Credit Union Campaign for Ending Hunger. The food pantries receiving donations are Gramps Community Luncheon, GRAMPA Food Pantry, Dixfield Emergency Food Pantry, St. John’s & St. Athanasius Church Food Pantry and Rumford Group Homes Food Pantry. “Oxford Federal Credit Union holds fund raisers throughout the year to raise money for the Maine Credit Union Campaign for Ending Hunger which raised over $366,000.00 this year, and 100% of the money stays in Maine. A portion of the money is made available to support Oxford County food pantries to help our neighbors who are hungry,” said the Vice President of HR and Marketing. “We wanted to take this opportunity to thank some of the people who are out there helping to feed the hungry in our community and recognize their dedicated efforts. We are very happy that Oxford Federal Credit Union is able to be a part of this community effort.”

Representatives from the food pantries and Rep. Sheryl J. Briggs (D - Mexico) met at the Credit Union where OFCU representatives presented a check to each of them along with a bag of groceries donated by Credit Union employees. Rep. Briggs commented, “I am very proud of the River Valley area and especially Oxford Federal Credit Union for creating and making these donations to the area food pantries. It has been very difficult for many people because of the high prices of heating oil and gasoline this winter. It’s a great feeling knowing that we are looking out for each other and helping out in our communities in any way we can. I would like to than Oxford Federal Credit Union and each one of their employees for their donation.”

Oxford Federal Credit Union’s Community Education Committee visited the Sunday River Resort on Tuesday March 18^th to participate in the Northern Oxford County Area Counselors Association's "Career Awareness Day". Students from Mountain Valley, Dirigo and Telstar High Schools attended two 30 minute presentations to learn about the various career choices and opportunities in the business, professional and financial industries. Students learned from the Operations Supervisor at Oxford Federal Credit Union, about the six traits needed to be successful in their careers.

3/17/08- Oxford Federal Credit Union Goes Green
Oxford Federal Credit Union is now providing large shopping bags to anyone who wants one with all proceeds going to Charity. An estimated 12 million barrels of oil are consumed in manufacturing the plastic bags we use and discard each year. Join us in our project to 'Go Green". Bags can be purchased in either location: Oxford Federal Credit Union, 225 River Road, Mexico ME 04257 and 1591 Main Street, Oxford ME 04270. The bags are 2 for $3. All proceeds go to OFCU Charities.

3/13/08- An evening of Family Fun at Black Mountain of Maine
Oxford Federal CU, Liberty Mutual Insurance and Northeast Planning Associates hosted a Free Ski and Board Night on March 13^th at Black Mountain of Maine. Over 350 people took advantage of the good weather and great skiing between 4pm and 9pm. There were many prizes, including Free Lift Passes for the rest of the ski season, OFCU Dollars redeemable at the concession stand. Among the popular prizes were OFCU’s new ‘Going Green’ shopping bags. The popular bags are found in the lobbies at either location for a small donation, with proceeds going to OFCU's charities! Thank you to everyone who participated in this fun event, and we hope everyone had a fantastic time at beautiful Black Mountain of Maine! Special thanks to our partners, Northeast Planning Associates and Liberty Mutual for helping to sponsor the event.

3/3/08- Oxford Federal Credit Union Gives away a Laptop Computer
Throughout 2008, Oxford Federal Credit Union will be celebrating 70 years of service to our members by giving away a monthly prize to a lucky member. We thank all of our members of Oxford Federal Credit Union and encourage them to expand their relationship with OFCU! In February 2008, OFCU gave away a Dell Laptop Computer. We congratulate Amy of Norway, ME, our winner in February.

2/3/08- Oxford Federal Credit Union Gives away a 32" LCD HDTV
Throughout 2008, Oxford Federal Credit Union will be celebrating 70 years of service to our members by giving away a monthly prize to a lucky member. We thank all of our members of Oxford Federal Credit Union and encourage them to expand their relationship with OFCU! In January 2008, OFCU gave away a 32" LCD HDTV. We congratulate Joe of Rumford, our winner in January.

12/14/07- $100 Savings Bond
Student Wins $100 Savings Bond through Mountain Valley Middle School's Renaissance Program

11/14/07- Santa's Helpers
OFCU Employees contributed $250.00 and OFCU contributed $250.00 Total donated was $500.00 worth of merchandise. $400.00 in Mexico and the other $100.00 the Branch donates to their local program. Santa’s Helpers take applications from families in the area that are in need of help to give gifts to their children at Christmas. Ages range from newborn to the teens. We buy a variety of items winter coats, skipants, clothes, boots, and of course toys.

10/18/07- OFCU: A Commitment to Community
During its 70 years in business, Oxford Federal Credit Union has built a sterling reputation be helping thousands of members meet their savings and investment goals. But providing financial services to their neighbors isn’t enough for this company- volunteerism and community service are an integral part of Oxford Federal Credit Union’s (OFCU) company culture.

“We are a culture of people helping others,” said the Vice President for Human Resources/Marketing. Each year, OFCU’s 40 employees volunteer thousands of hours as coaches for youth sports teams, mentors with Big Brothers/Big Sisters and as members of the executive boards of various non-profit organizations.

Oxford Federal Credit Union employees are active fundraisers for local causes, too. This year, they raised $1400 for local food pantries through the Maine Credit Union League’s ‘Ending Hunger in Maine Campaign,” and thousands of dollars for other charities including the American Cancer Society, Maine Special Olympics and the March of Dimes.

OFCU often partners with local educational institutions. Last year, employees taught money management skills to over 650 high school seniors through a financial literacy program called CU’r Financial Future (CUFF.) Participants learned to budget for cars, living expenses, groceries and entertainment. OFCU won the Louise Herring First Place Award in Washington, DC at the Credit Union National Association’s Government Affairs Conference for their work with the CUFF program.

OFCU also focuses on building community within the company. “Our fabulous staff is what makes us successful,” said an employee. The company organizes an annual family outing and treats employees to dinner and comedy shows to show its appreciation.

Employees take it upon themselves to spice up the workday by bringing in photos of themselves as babies, sharing homemade treats and organizing events like plant swaps and PowerPoint presentations with music for special occasions. They even sing songs to one another and write poems to recognize their co-workers.

But while levity is encouraged in the workplace, OFCU is serious about recruiting and retaining qualified employees, a challenging mission in a rural area. In order to do so, OFCU provides ongoing training opportunities and support to staff. The company emphasizes communication and conducts “State of the Credit Union Addresses” quarterly.

“As a credit union, we are a not-for-profit, member-owned financial institution. The old tried and true credit union motto ‘people helping people’ still applies today. That’s who we are and what we do,” said the VP of Human Resources.