Norway Savings Gives Back
Over the course of a year, we receive thousands of requests for donations and sponsorships. We try very hard to maximize our budget so that we reach as many communities and programs as possible. Our goal is to provide resources that support projects and organizations that provide long-term benefits to our communities. In 2014, we provided donations and sponsorships to 404 nonprofits and programs throughout western and southern Maine.
We supported civic organizations, the arts, music, and culture scene this year. From local community theaters to the Maine State Music Theatre, we have helped bring the joy of art, music and theater to our communities.
Also in 2014 we provided support to organizations that focus on economic development and job creation, which includes organizations like Maine Real Estate and Development Association as well as chambers of commerce in our markets.
We provided funds to programs that support children and education, such as Riding To The Top and Tree Street Youth Center. Riding To The Top is a therapeutic equestrian riding center, located five minutes from our Windham office, that provides an incredible program for physically challenged children and adults. We have been their number one corporate sponsor at the $10,000 level for the past eleven years. Tree Street Youth Center, located in Lewiston, serves youth of Lewiston-Auburn through academics, the arts and athletics by providing a safe space that encourages healthy physical, social, emotional and academic development while building unity across lines of difference. Funding from Norway Savings Bank is helping to implement an Intercultural Community Exchange Internship Program that will employ post-graduate interns to work as tutors and enrichment instructors for after-school and summer programs.
Another category to which we have provided support is health care related non-profits and athletic sponsorships. We just made our fourth pledge payment to support the Fryeburg Recreation Capital Campaign, which plans to build a state-of-the-art facility for the community. Earlier in 2014, we presented Southern Maine Agency on Aging with a substantial gift to help the organization build two adult day centers that will provide services to adults with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia, as well as advanced support for family caregivers.
One other way that we have been able to provide support to non-profits is by sponsoring the Companies that Care program that airs on WCSH 6. Last year, we were able to provide television air time to Museum L/A and Maine Adaptive Sports and Recreation. Both programs have said that the campaigns have brought a lot of attention and much-needed awareness of their organizations.
