Norway Savings Bank Employees Go the “Extra Mile” to Contribute to Communities

PORTLAND—“Norway Savings Bank believes that volunteering is an excellent way to grow and learn,” said Janice de Lima, VP and Community Reinvestment Act Officer. “Our employees share their free time and talents in the communities in which we serve. It’s beautiful.”

Community investments and charitable donations to Maine communities have been part of the fabric of Norway Savings Bank since it first opened its doors in 1866, but the selfless contributions of its employees to the greater good over the decades and across the state is of equal importance.

In her role at the Bank, de Lima has a unique vantage point of the impact these hours of service make on hundreds of community organizations each year.

The volunteer spirit ingrained in the mission of Norway Savings Bank is celebrated in many ways, including Extra Mile Awards.

“Our employees log their volunteer hours and quarterly, we select one individual at random to receive a donation to a non-profit organization of their choice,” said de Lima.

Understandably, that choice is usually one of the organizations they donate their time to because they hold a special place in their hearts.

Based in Lewiston, New Beginnings offers runaway and homeless youth and Maine families the security of safety and connection.

“I want to be a voice for our children in our community that might not have one,” said Sabrina Nadeau, a personal banker at the Bank’s Auburn Branch who was an Extra Mile Award winner in 2023 and serves on its board. “I support their mission of providing safe and stable environments for youth who otherwise wouldn’t have them.”

“I have been a part of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Bath/Brunswick for many years, volunteering at events or donating money whenever possible,” said Penny Anderson, a market manager in Brunswick who also won the Extra Mile Award in 2023. “Its mission is to create and support one-on-one mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth.”

“I am impressed with the commitment and efforts of the Preble Street staff and volunteers who help feed the hungry in our community on a daily basis,” said Doug Gross, an AVP and Trust Officer in Portland, who nominated Preble Street, where he volunteers to serve dinners, to receive his award donation. “Preble Street provides many important safety nets for new and native Mainers alike. It’s an organization I encourage all to support.”

The fourth 2023 Extra Mile Award winner was Karry Kane, a VP and Mortgage Loan Officer in Brunswick. Kane was actually a founding volunteer at the Midcoast United Way’s Diaper Drive project.

“Diapers are costly, and lacking an adequate supply of diapers can cause undue stress on both baby and parent. It can affect not only short-term health, but a child’s long-term health and development,” said Kane. “The donation will be greatly appreciated.”

Appreciation of the importance of service has helped make the connection between kind-hearted employees and benevolent organizations equal parts inspiring and meaningful.

“Each day, we come together to achieve greatness for our customers, community, and one another,” said Dan Walsh, President and CEO of Norway Savings Bank. “It’s fun, it’s important, and it’s hard work, but in the end, we make a difference. What could be better than that?”