KENNEBUNK, ME – Kennebunk Savings is giving away 1,871 white pine saplings in honor of their 150th anniversary. The giveaway, taking place at all 17 of their branches, is timed to coincide with Maine Arbor Week, May 17th-21st. “We have deep roots in this community,” said Bradford C. Paige, President and CEO. “We thought it would be fun to put some new—and literal—roots down as well.”
“Our logo is actually based on the old Lafayette Elm tree in Kennebunk,” explains Mike Moloney, Senior Vice President, Corporate Development and Training Manager. “But we’re big fans of trees just generally – they’re steadfast, dependable, and they give back to their surrounding environments.” (The Lafayette Elm tree, formerly located on the grounds of Storer Mansion in Kennebunk, developed Dutch Elm disease in 1965.)
The free trees are between 4 and 7 inches, and will be available at all branch locations as long as supplies last. “We wanted to give back to the community in a way that would last for generations,” said Jennifer Radel, Assistant Vice President, PR & Communications manager.
The tree giveaway is an element of the bank’s 150th celebration—they’re also doing week-long celebrations taking turns at each of their 17 branch locations, a party that will continue from now until late fall. The bank is also planning a few tree-planting ceremonies with larger specimens, and collaborations with local land trusts. “I love that we can support so many environmental groups—the beauty of our local landscape is so special to me,” said Dory Polanco, Assistant Manager of the Portsmouth Branch.
The 1,871 white pines (the bank was founded in Kennebunk, Maine in 1871) were selected on the advice of Bud Johnston, director of the Mousam Way Land Trust, who also helped the bank create a video with in-depth instructions for care.
How To Care For Your Tree Sapling from Kennebunk Savings
