'Peggers give most $$ ever to United Way

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Winnipeg Sun, Friday January 16, 2009
Reproduced with permission.
Photo: Marcel Cretain/Sun Media

Despite continued fallout from the economic crisis, Winnipeggers have pulled off an unprecedented feat of generosity, digging deep into their wallets to help raise more than $17.9 million for United Way’s 2008 campaign.

The figure represents the most money raised in a single year throughout United Way’s 44-year history, surpassing the Campaign 2007 tally by almost $900,000.

"Non-profit organizations throughout the country have been affected by the prevailing economic uncertainty - uncertainty that could have slowed down our momentum significantly," said campaign chairman Bob Silver at a press conference yesterday.

"But it didn't happen. Because Winnipeggers are very unique. We're bound together by a caring and generous spirit that is greater than I've seen in any other community. We may endure some of the coldest temperatures in the country, but we do boast the warmest hearts."

As always, the money raised will be distributed to United Way's 100-plus member agencies, allowing them to continue building safe, healthy neighbourhoods, helping families achieve financial independence, and changing lives by offering kids an alternative to the streets.

Just ask Big Brothers of Winnipeg volunteer Garth Campbell - or his 14-year-old "little" Zac - who know firsthand the good that can come from contributing to the community.

"You get back so much more than you give," said Campbell, a family physician from Beausejour who has been mentoring Zac for the last 20 months. "Seeing (Zac) grow as a person and become more self-confident is absolutely worth it... , we're creating lots of opportunities for our youth and children."