2010 Campaign soaring to new heights

September 17, 2010 | Community News | Archive 2010

United Way of Winnipeg launched its 2010 Campaign today by announcing a fundraising goal of $18,849,630. This target will surpass last year's goal by more than $600,000.

"I am thrilled to lead this tremendous campaign supported by tens of thousands of Winnipeggers working to create opportunities for a better life for everyone through United Way," said Gregg Hanson, 2010 Campaign Chair. "This year we need more people than ever to get involved. Every gift adds up to powerful change in our community."

The announcement was made at Red River College's Stevenson campus where 1,300 Winnipeggers from the business, labour, government and non-profit sectors helped get the city-wide campaign airborne by competing in the 7th Annual Plane Pull.

Hanson arrived in style, riding on a Harley Davidson to announce one of the themes of this year's campaign--Be B.A.D. (Buck A Day) For Good.

"This year we're encouraging all Winnipeggers to be B.A.D. by giving at the Buck A Day level," said Hanson. "A buck a day can send one inner-city child to a month of summer learning activities which helps them succeed in school, and life; it provides art supplies for an at-risk youth to explore creativity in safe, supportive environment; or replacement clothes for a family who lost their home to disasters like fire or flood. A buck a day makes a big difference."

Fueled by barbeque and delicious cupcakes, plane pullers got under way with twenty teams competing to pull a Boeing 727 in the fastest time in the Competitive Pull. For the Fun Pull another twenty teams gave their all to tow a McDonnell Douglas DC-9. In the end StandardAero soared to the number one spot in the competitive category and Red River College came out head of the class in the fun pull. Prizes were also awarded for best team theme and best team scream.

Although today marks the official beginning of the 2010 Campaign, fundraising efforts are off to a successful start thanks to Major donors, Leadership donors, corporate Pacesetters and workplace Pacesetters who stepped up early to support United Way. Because of their hard work and enthusiasm, United Way has already raised $7.1 million and achieved 38% of its goal.

This support is vital in ensuring kids in Winnipeg will be safe from the threat of crime, drugs and life on the streets; families will achieve financial stability and hope for the future; and neighbours will connect with one another to resolve issues like safety, violence and isolation.

Like the plane pull, it takes all of us pulling together to build a stronger, safer and healthier Winnipeg. Come fly with us and make the 2010 Campaign a soaring success.

Without you, there would be no way.

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