Campaign approaches halfway point

By: Kevin Rollason | United Way in the News | Archive 2008

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Winnipeg Free Press, Saturday October 4, 2008
Reproduced with permission.
Photo: Wayne Glowacki/Winnipeg Free Press

THE United Way campaign has graduated to 45 per cent of this year's fundraising goal.

During a progress announcement at Red River College's downtown Princess Street campus on Friday, several students dressed in scarlet caps and gowns unrolled diplomas printed with numbers to reveal the campaign has now reached more than $8 million.

"We're making great progress, but there is still plenty of work to be done," campaign chairman Bob Silver said.

"It takes everybody working together to make a better community... if it's not us, then who is going to do it?"

The campaign's ambitious goal is more than $17.8 million

Silver said that with the dismal economic news in the world recently, this is not the time to cut back on donations.

When the economy is like it is, this is exactly the time we need to give more to the United Way," he said.

"It's in these times the least disadvantaged need the most."

Graham Thomson, dean of Red River's School of Business and Applied Arts, said his school and the charity have several things in common.

"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," Thomson said.

"We really like to support the United Way."

Thomson said already the school's staff has raised more than $19,000 -- double the amount raised last year.

"The excitement and energy the United Way campaign brought to our campus was incredible."

The campaign's next reporting session will be held on Oct. 24 at 7:30 a.m. at the Ukrainian Labour Temple.