The Campaign so far...

Thanks to Winnipeg's incredible generosity & the tireless commitment of many volunteers, we've raised 19,652,626 - 99.6% of our $19,723,899 goal!

Edward Kennedy Chairs 2011 Campaign

I'm incredibly excited to take on the role of Chair of United Way of Winnipeg's 2011 Campaign.

As president and CEO of The North West Company I'm proud to be among a growing number of leaders in business and our community who recognize the role we play in creating opportunities for a better life for everyone through United Way.

Our own workplace campaign has grown in leaps and bounds thanks to the creativity, passion, and energy of our people. They've explored new ways to communicate, collaborate and inspire excitement and action in their peers. The resulting increase in support, community awareness, and teamwork has been staggering.

We also know that several of our own staff have turned to a program or service supported by United Way. With almost 100 agencies in every corner of our city, chances are you know someone in your own workplace or social circle who has too. In fact, I think it's safe to say that no single organization has a wider reach and greater impact in our city.

As we embark on the 2011 campaign, we'll chart the familiar waters-the tried, tested and true approaches, the hundreds of workplaces and hundreds of thousands of individuals who recognize that United Way is one of the best ways to invest their time, energy and money.

But there's also plenty of new territory to map. There are still many more companies, and untold numbers of individuals who have yet to experience the many benefits of supporting our community through United Way. This year I plan to inspire even more Winnipeggers to get on board and join us in our quest to help kids be all they can be, transform poverty to possibility, and inspire healthy people and strong communities.

Like those intrepid and enterprising pioneers, explorers and adventurers who laid the groundwork for the life we enjoy today in Manitoba, our success will depend on our ability to build relationships and create meaningful partnerships for a better tomorrow.

I have great confidence we will succeed, and along the way learn a lot about each other, our community and ourselves. And I thank each and every Winnipegger who undertakes the journey with us.

Sincerely,

Edward Kennedy
2011 Campaign Chair