It started with a Thanksgiving promo and now New Mexico creditunions, under the Young & Free brand, are doing their part tofeed the hungry and win rewards.

The “Meal Give Away” campaign, being led by the Credit UnionAssociation of New Mexico, represents the trade group's first majorproject under the Young & Free banner, launched this year as ameans to reach the Gen Y 18-25 demographic.

The “Meal Give Away” campaign, which runs Nov. 21-Dec. 19,includes four weekly contests that reward winners each with a $100prize combined with donations directed to local food banks.

“Our effort combines a contest that gives participants anopportunity to win cash for themselves and give back to theircommunity at the same time,” said a CUANM spokeswoman adding thatgenerated funds “will go toward providing a Christmas meal to aneedy family.”

So far 17 CUs in the state have signed on for the Y&Fprogram encouraging Gen Y young adults “to get them involved incredit unions for life.” The Y&F program, now adopted by anumber of state leagues, has been promoted through a BritishColumbia firm, Currency Marketing.

Participants enter through the Young Free New Mexico website, bysubmitting a photo, written paragraph or a short video “depictingwhat they are thankful for.” The weekly winners are then chosenbased on a popular vote on the site.