Annual Campaign
Thank you for making our annual 2009 United Way Campaign a huge success! It was a $1,630,000 Closing Ceremony"
More than 15,000 people in the Thompson Nicola Cariboo Region donate to local charities and non-profit organizations and more than 10,000 of us give of our time and skills as a volunteer. However, there is a concern that with the economy declining, charitable giving may also see a dip. The good news is that Thompson Nicola Cariboo has consistently been a leader in charitable giving.
United Way has received the support of our region since 1949 entrusting us to affect change in ways relevant to the changing times. A large part of this success is a credit to over 200 workplace campaigns that support the work of United Way. Some of you may already be familiar with workplace campaigns. For those who are not, workplaces in Thompson Nicola Cariboo run internal campaigns to raise funds for United Way. Campaigns come in many sizes and any workplace can start one.
Citius Altius Fortius
"Swifter
Higher Stronger. In
each of us there is a leader, ready to drive change, willing to set a powerful
example, able to inspire action. In September I asked you for dedication,
sacrifice and a "herculean" effort to help us achieve our fundraising
goals for the 2009 United Way campaign. I told you that it would not be easy.
The economic challenges we face are real and often harsh. We see monumental
challenges every day: children who don't eat before going to school or at
lunch, adults who are coping with the effect of a brain injury, youth who
cannot read, and individuals with no place to sleep. The needs of our community
have not decreased. We asked you for your best effort, in the true spirit of
caring, cooperation and generosity for the betterment of our community. You
answered that pledge with a resounding YES, you inspired and motivated,
you acted. Thank you for making that medal winning decision. Thank you to all
of our employee campaigns, we are proud to have you as partners as we set out
to create opportunities for a better life for everyone." Tony Ryan, 2009
Campaign Chair
Together we have and can continue to affect significant change. We recognize that as the economy continues to be challenged so can our ability to provide the necessary support but together we can make a difference. We know our community needs our support and we are inspired by the support provided to allow us all to make significant change for our entire community.
As always, we are only as successful as the people that build us up. Last year, an average gift to United Way was $250, which is higher than many larger markets. We are an organization that thrives on one donation at a time to strike a difference in our community. Your philanthropic efforts sustain United Way and, in turn, sustain a core network of services that meets the diverse needs of a region.
The vitality of the many volunteers, and the generosity of donors, has resulted in the most successful United Way campaign ever. Never before have we raised this much money; local dollars for local needs addressing community needs and priorities.
