Bar Harbor Bank & Trust Employees Donate Nearly $12,000 to Six Nonprofit Organizations

Bar Harbor, Maine (August 11, 2022) - Bar Harbor Bank & Trust employees recently presented nearly $12,000 in donations from the Bank’s employee-driven charitable giving program, Casual for A Cause, to six nonprofit organizations in Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont. The recipients of the donations, all of which were collected in Q2 2022, are: Hospice Volunteers of Hancock County, Island Health & Wellness Foundation, People Plus, and Trekkers (Maine); Lake Sunapee Region VNA & Hospice (New Hampshire); and Changing Perspectives Inc. (Vermont).

“Our employees are passionate about helping our neighbors, whether that’s through supporting initiatives to expand health care services or by empowering young people to become positive agents of change,” said Jack Frost, VP Director of Community Giving at Bar Harbor Bank & Trust. “Every dollar donated through Casual for a Cause is a testament to our employees’ commitment to creating stronger communities for all.”

Bank employees participating in Casual for a Cause dress casually on Fridays in exchange for a bi-weekly payroll deduction made to a pool of funds collected during each quarter. The employees then vote on the nonprofits to receive their contributions. Employees have donated more than $175,000 since the program launched in 2018.

Recipients of Q2 2022 Donations

Maine

Hospice Volunteers of Hancock County is a nonprofit volunteer hospice organization in Maine that provides non-medical assistance to patients and families who are facing the end-of-life, support to those who grieve the loss of a loved one, and community education and advocacy on death and bereavement issues. Learn more at www.hospiceofhancock.org.

“Hospice Volunteers of Hancock County knows the value of community collaboration, and we couldn't do what we do without the partnership of our friends and supporters like Bar Harbor Bank & Trust,” said Jody Wolford, Executive Director of Hospice Volunteers of Hancock County. “Your support helps us reach those who need our care.”

Island Health & Wellness Foundation’s mission is to identify and advocate for health and wellness needs of Deer Isle-Stonington; provide financial support, guidance, and encouragement to local health and wellness organizations; and maintain the Island Medical Center for the provision of health and dental care. Learn more at www.ihwf.org.

“Honored. Grateful. Excited. These are all words that went through my mind as I was informed of this incredible gift,” said Anne West, Executive Director of Island Health & Wellness Foundation. “Island Health & Wellness Foundation exists only because of our amazing community. Bar Harbor Bank & Trust is an integral part of that community. Your donation means that we will be able to offer more people the gift of health.”

People Plus’s mission is to support an engaged, healthy, and independent life for older adults, while joining others to build community for all ages. The donation from Bank employees will benefit the Brunswick Area Teen Center (BATC), which provides a central place where young people can meet safely to explore creative outlets, share their talents, participate in intergenerational activities, and develop into well-rounded adults. Learn more at www.peopleplusmaine.org.

“Many thanks to Bar Harbor Bank & Trust employees for choosing to support The Brunswick Area Teen Center at People Plus,” said Jordan Cardone, Teen Center Program Coordinator at People Plus. “Our goal is to provide equal opportunity for food access, mentoring, and a safe and fun place to be for any youth in grades 6-12, and we work hard to be able to offer this program for free to our youth members. Donations like this help us to continue to do just that!”

Trekkers is a nonprofit, outdoor-based mentoring program that cultivates the inherent strengths of young people through the power of long-term mentoring relationships. Trekkers’ students consistently report statistically significant positive change in indicators of resilience, reflection, empathy, trust, and optimism. Learn more at www.trekkers.org.

“One of the most important aspects of Trekkers’ work with young people is helping them feel connected to the community,” said Kate Elmes, Director of Development at Trekkers. “Donations like this help reinforce that message that adults in the community are invested in their wellbeing and their future. Thank you for fueling our adventures!”

New Hampshire

Lake Sunapee Region VNA & Hospice provides health care and hospice services for individuals and families in homes and community settings, fostering continuity of care across settings and enabling people to stay in their homes as long as possible. Programs and services delivered by the organization include home health care, hospice, palliative care, personal care services, bereavement support groups, foot care clinics, health education, and memory respite care. Learn more at www.lakesunapeevna.org.

“The fact that it is bank employees who chose us for this special donation is especially meaningful and tells our staff they are seen and valued,” said Jim Culhane, President & CEO of Lake Sunapee Region VNA & Hospice. “The long-time leadership support of Bar Harbor Bank & Trust remains one of many gifts we are so grateful to receive.”

Vermont

Changing Perspectives Inc. works to educate, empower, and inspire students from pre-K through high school to become the change makers for tomorrow and to build a more inclusive, just, and equitable society. The organization partners with schools to promote social-emotional learning through curriculum resources, individual coaching, professional development, and resources for families. Learn more at www.changingperspectivesnow.org.

“Changing Perspectives recognizes the need for social-emotional learning in Vermont students and beyond,” said Sam Drazin, Executive Director at Changing Perspectives Inc. “Using a holistic approach, our partnerships with schools support the social and emotional well-being of all students as we help to cultivate young people who are self-aware, empathetic, and able to successfully participate in an ever complex world. We would like to thank the employees of Bar Harbor Bank & Trust for their contributions to our work.”

Bar Harbor Bankshares (NYSE American: BHB) is the parent company of its wholly owned subsidiary, Bar Harbor Bank & Trust. Operating over 50 locations across Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont, Bar Harbor Bank & Trust is headquartered in Bar Harbor, Maine and has more than $3.6 billion in assets. As a leading Northern New England community bank, Bar Harbor Bank & Trust offers a full range of personal and business banking services, as well as wealth management services through its subsidiary Bar Harbor Wealth Management. For more information about Bar Harbor Bank & Trust, visit www.barharbor.bank or call 888-853-7100. Member FDIC.

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