Because of Winnipeggers, there is a WAY.
2009 Campaign Chair Jeff Zabudsky thanks Winnipeggers for all their hard work and generosity over the past year.
It was an exciting and action-packed year to be sure, beginning with the 2009 Campaign Kickoff and Plane Pull at Red River College's Stevenson Campus in September. That's where Chair Jeff Zabudsky first introduced his 2009 Campaign Cabinet of senior volunteers and invited Winnipeggers to pull together and help United Way continue changing lives in our community.
Also in September, United Way welcomed nearly 40 2009 Sponsored Executives to our team. Throughout the fall campaign, these individuals provided guidance and leadership to more than 1100 workplaces raising money for our community through United Way. All the while, generous employers continued to pay their salaries.
Indeed leadership played a very important role in 2009 - particularly when it looked as though United Way was facing a shortfall for the first time in decades. But Winnipeggers stepped up with the selfless determination for which our city is renowned and responded with immediate action.
Several organizations reopened workplace campaigns and topped up corporate gifts; people walked in off the streets to make donations; and long-time loyal friends generously contributed additional gifts. Nearly 2,500 Winnipeggers became United Way Leadership Donors (the most ever!), contributing between $1,200 and $125,000 each.
As a result, more kids in Winnipeg will be safe from the threat of gangs, drugs and life on the streets. More families will achieve greater financial stability and regain hope for the future. And more neighbours will be able to connect with one another to address common issues like safety, violence and isolation. The depth of this impact really became clear in United Way's 2009 public service announcements and other communication materials.
Thank you to each and every Winnipegger who invested time, money or both in 2009. You've given us all so many reasons to Celebrate. Your support is a gift of hope that ensures our community remains stable today and can emerge stronger tomorrow.
Because of YOU, there is a WAY.
