NSB Finalizes $190,000 Construction Loan for Pink Feather Foundation’s Forever Home Project

OXFORD—Partnering with an organization that works with teachers to provide clothing, accessories, and a sense of belonging to students in need in MSAD #17 and RSU #16 was one of the easiest decisions that Dan Walsh, President and CEO of Norway Savings Bank, has made.

“Pink Feather Foundation was founded on the belief that fulfilling basic needs at no cost can immediately improve a student’s life and allow them to be prepared to achieve their full potential,” he said. “What could be more meaningful than that, especially at a time of promise like the start of a school year?”

Local teachers can contact Pink Feather and are granted access to a shopping portal where they can explore items with a student in need from donations of new and like-new items donated by generous individuals. The student’s clothing is then delivered to their school’s main office.

Recently, Norway Savings Bank proudly delivered $190,000 in financing to the organization for the organization’s “forever home” currently being constructed on King Street in Oxford. The 40×100 building is scheduled to be completed around November.

“We’ve always operated from donated or rented spaces. In the last seven years, we’ve moved six times due to various reasons,” said Jen Kyllonen, co-founder of the Pink Feather Foundation. “Each move requires us to put our services on hold as we settle into a new space. In our most recent move last fall, we secured a temporary space that allows for storage and packaging, but limits the full operation of our program.”

Establishing the new facility will provide stability and the opportunity for growth at Pink Feather Foundation, and support for the project has come from all corners. The land was donated by an anonymous community member and several local contractors and businesses have contributed time, materials, labor, and expertise. Every member of the Foundation’s board also made a financial contribution to the building fund. In addition, NSB made a $10,000 donation to the fund earlier this year.  

“We are so grateful to have the support of Norway Savings Bank,” said Kyllonen. “We can’t wait to see the dream of our ‘forever home’ come to life!”

Fundraising continues, and Pink Feather Foundation welcomes donations of any size, including in-kind materials and services. For more information about the ways you can assist and the latest updates on the project, visit the foundation’s website at www.pinkfeatherfoundation.org.