United Way at 45% of Our 2008 Campaign Goal
October 3, 2008 | Community News | Archive 2008
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Approximately 150 Winnipeggers attended United Way's Report Session One at Red River College to learn the first-quarter progress of Campaign 2008
$8 000 272 to United Way's 2008 Campaign! That's 45% of this year's total fundraising goal of just over $17.8 million. It's also close to $1 million more than last year's total for the same period. "This significant progress is a testament to the amazing things Winnipeggers can accomplish when we all work together, united, toward a common goal," said Bob Silver, United Way's 2008 Campaign Chair.
The progress was announced in dramatic fashion on Friday, October 3, 2008 at Report Session One, held at Red River College's Princess Street campus. Following individual reports from 14 separate divisions, a group of Red River students dressed in red cap and gown climbed the stage to the tune of Pomp and Circumstance and opened their scrolls to reveal the final tally. The venue and theme were chosen to highlight one of United Way's three main areas of focus: helping children and youth achieve their potential.
"There is a natural parallel between United Way and Red River College," said Graham Thomson, Dean of Red River's School of Business and Applied Arts. "We're both committed to ensuring young people are ready and able to cope with the challenges and respond to the opportunities that the next stage of life will bring. We're both trying to create an environment where they will develop the skills and confidence they'll need to achieve their goals and realize their dreams."
Hosted by sisters and United Way youth volunteers Ashley and Cie-Kay Lam, the event also underlined the importance of encouraging young people to take a more active role in shaping the future of Winnipeg. Through a variety of new and exciting youth engagement opportunities, United Way has been able to reach further into the community for greater impact, said Bob Silver.
Rex Masesar is a young man whose life was profoundly impacted when he was inspired to trade gang involvement for community involvement. Masesar shared his powerful story with the audience to drive home the need for United Way initiatives that give young people a voice and sense of belonging.
Dollars raised from United Way's 2008 Campaign will be invested in programs and initiatives that support the essentials for a good life: a quality education that leads to a stable job, income that can support a family through retirement, and a healthy neighbourhood that encourages personal well-being. Focusing on these essentials, United Way brings together the people and resources to create lasting change and prevent problems from happening in the first place. Together, united, we are creating opportunities for a better life for all Winnipeggers.
Thank you to Red River College for the beautiful venue and gracious hospitality. Thank you also to the volunteers, staff, agency partners and thousands of Winnipeggers whose enthusiastic support has already taken us almost halfway to our goal!
The next report session will take place Friday, October 24, 2008 at the Ukrainian Labour Temple, 591 Pritchard Avenue in Winnipeg.
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