United Way’s inaugural campaign exceeds goal

Michael (executive director), Katina (community capacity coordinator), Amanda (campaign committee), Catherine (campaign committee), Frances Lankin (keynote speaker), Darren (campaign committee). photo provided.

United Way Sudbury and Nipissing Districts
News Release

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After revealing an inaugural Campaign goal of $85,000 in September, United Way Sudbury and Nipissing Districts was pleased to announce this morning that it had met, and far surpassed, the goal raising over $100,000!

“We are very excited to close our inaugural year in North Bay on such a successful note,” says Katina Matheson, community capacity coordinator for United Way.

“These results are due to the support of local businesses, organizations as well as the dedicated and passionate workplace volunteers who were the driving force behind these numbers. The response we received is encouraging and very indicative of North Bay’s generosity and community spirit.”

The Honourable Frances Lankin, former CEO of United Way Toronto and hailing from Northern Ontario, addressed community members, workplace representatives and campaign volunteers about the importance of contributing to ones community. The total announced this morning at the Campaign Touchdown event held at 22 Wing, CFB was $101,505.

United Way was pleased to recognize local community partners and presented awards to several organizations:

• New Campaign Award was presented to Walker’s Van & Storage, a workplace that ran an employee campaign for the first time.

• Team Spirit Award is selected from a number of nominated groups, based on committees that demonstrate team effort in the application of best practices. This award was presented to Future Shop.

• Workplace Labour Award is given to union locals that increase their support and their participation in workplace campaigns. This year the award went to Ontario Provincial Services Employees Union - 634.

• Community Giving Award was given to the LCBO, who reached out to the broader community, raising significant funds for the Campaign.

• Agency Awards are awarded to an agency that runs an exceptional campaign demonstrating support to the Campaign. This award was presented to the District of Nipissing Social Services Administration Board (DNSSAB).

“The committee is extremely pleased to have exceeded this year’s goal. We are grateful to the community and its generosity,” said Dr. Catherine Whiting, United way Sudbury and Nipissing Districts’ campaign committee member.

She continued: “I would like to thank all donors and all volunteers who made this campaign successful! I’d also like to thank campaign committee members for their dedication and enthusiasm to help raise funds for our community.”

The funds raised will be distributed to local social service organizations targeting various areas of need. The money will also increase United Way’s ability to support the social service sector in the Nipissing region by providing leadership and training opportunities.

“The campaign total is a true indicator that people in the Nipissing District have fully embraced United Way. This amount will allow us to fund more social service programs in the district,” said Michael Cullen, executive director for United Way.

For more information on United Way or its campaign or member agencies, please visit www.unitedwaynipissing.com. Change starts here.

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