MANCHESTER, NH — Members First Credit Union recently donated $50,000 to the Manchester Police Athletic League (MPAL), a center city organization dedicated to mentoring at-risk youth. The donation comes from Members First’s share of reimbursements the National Credit Union Association (NCUA) provided all federally-insured credit unions nationwide earlier this year. In recognition of the issues that confront its community, Members First has taken the lead by pledging to use its funds to benefit critical community programs, while hoping to inspire other credit unions to do the same.
“We believe that building stronger, healthier communities through support of non-profit organizations such as MPAL benefits everyone,” said Bruce Leighton, president and CEO, Members First Credit Union. “We’ve seen the positive impact MPAL has on youth in our community and are pleased to support the organization’s efforts with our $50,000 donation.”
Those in attendance at the donation ceremony were Leighton; Manchester Mayor, Joyce Craig; Adam Hollis, MPAL board chairman and Members First board of directors; Karl Betz, Members First senior vice president and CFO; Paul Beaudoin, Members First board chairman and MPAL board of directors; David Mara, MPAL board vice chairman and Members First board of directors.
“Members First Credit Union has been a longtime supporter of MPAL and this incredibly generous donation will go directly to the kids and families we serve here in Manchester,” said Adam Hollis, MPAL board chairman and Members First board of directors. “MPAL’s mission is to create a positive connection between cops and kids. We do this by providing programs like wrestling, boxing, judo, aikido, cooking classes, arm wrestling and robotics. MPAL reaches as many kids as it does because our programs are completely free and this donation from Members First will go a long way in ensuring we’re able to keep making a difference,” said Hollis.
With police officers serving as mentors, the goal of the organization is to provide kids with a safe and positive environment. MPAL relies on volunteers to help facilitate and develop the various athletic and academic activities, which are completely free of charge and accessible to area youth.
“I’d like to thank Members First Credit Union for their extremely generous donation of $50,000 to benefit the Manchester Police Athletic League,” said City of Manchester Mayor, Joyce Craig. “MPAL, and our city’s police officers, do incredible work providing athletic, recreational and academic activities to youth in our community.”
“Members First understands our needs and they see the positive impact MPAL has on youth and their families in Manchester,” said Mayor Craig. “They are a valued partner in our community, and Manchester’s future is brighter because of their generosity. I want to thank Bruce Leighton, president and CEO of Members First, for initiating this wonderful gift. We all benefit because of your commitment to contributing locally, fostering positive relationships and making positive changes in our great city,” said Craig.
Founded in 1992, MPAL is run by a dedicated, full-time police officer. For more information about MPAL, visit www.manchesterpoliceathleticleague.org.
About Members First Credit Union
Since 1949, Members First Credit Union has been a trusted financial resource in Manchester, Bedford and surrounding communities. We get to know our members so we can recommend the right solutions to help them reach their goals. In other words: we’re small enough to make a big difference.
As a full-service financial institution, we offer the products and services our members need, whether for themselves, their family or business. And because we’re not for profit, earnings go back to our members, so they can save and borrow at reasonable rates. Membership is open to anyone living or working within 25 miles of a branch.
For more information, call 603-622-8781 or visit www.membersfirstnh.org.
