Home stretch for the holidays

December 4, 2009 | Community News | Archive 2009

United Way of Winnipeg's 2009 campaign still has $1.9 million to raise and just weeks left to do it. "It's not over 'til it's over," said Jeff Zabudsky, United Way's 2009 Campaign Chair, when he made the announcement today during United Way's Report Session 4 at Fort Garry Hotel, Spa and Conference Centre.

Jay Nadeau, 2009 United Way Sponsored Executive, shares his experiences during United Way's Report Session 4, while emcee and MPI President Marilyn McLaren looks on.

"Winnipeggers have done an amazing job getting us to this point," said Zabudsky, who is also President and CEO of Red River College. "But United Way's 2009 goal of $18.2+ million was identified specifically because it will ensure an essential network of resources and programs remains intact and available for all Winnipeggers when we need it most. We owe it to ourselves, our family, friends, neighbours and co-workers to finish what we started and achieve our goal."

Key to United Way's fundraising efforts over the past several months have been 44 full time volunteers on loan from community-minded employers to help provide support and leadership to thousands of volunteers and workplace campaigns throughout Winnipeg. These generous organizations continue to pay employees' salaries while they work for United Way as Sponsored Executives. Without these individuals, there would be no way to execute a campaign of this magnitude.

Marking the end of their term, Report Session 4 also provided an opportunity to say goodbye to United Way's 2009 team of Sponsored Executives and thanks to the generous organizations that extend this valuable resource year after year. "Now it's up to the rest of us to take up the torch and bring this campaign home," said Zabudsky.

United Way would like to thank Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI) for sponsoring the event and MPI's President and CEO Marilyn McLaren for hosting in her capacity as United Way's Chair of Leadership Development. Thank you also to Jay Nadeau, Project Manager at MTS Allstream, for sharing his experiences and speaking on behalf of the 2009 Sponsored Executives.

Thank you to thousands of Winnipeggers who are making lasting change and better lives in our city a reality by supporting United Way's 2009 campaign. For those yet to participate, "I urge you to consider a gift to our community this holiday," said Zabudsky. "It's never too late to inspire a safer, community through United Way of Winnipeg."

A message to Winnipeg about United Way's campaign Janury 5, 2012