United Way of Thunder Bay officials have 40 days and 40 nights to make up a $1.3-million shortfall in their annual fundraising campaign.
On Thursday campaign co-chairs Shelley Trewin and Jules Tupker said the organization, which funds 27 other organizations and more than 60 programs in the city, has collected about $1.24 million to date, about 49.1 per cent of their $2.52-million goal.
Trewin and Tupker said they need the community to dig deep this holiday season for them to meet Thunder Bay’s growing needs.
Calling it a campaign for the citizens of Thunder Bay, by the citizens of Thunder Bay, Tupker said a donation to the United Way does so much for the community and the people who live here, one-in-three who turn to United Way-supported organizations for help.
“It’s an opportunity for everybody in the city of Thunder Bay to help those who are struggling,” Tupker said.
“We’re halfway there and we certainly need everybody to help us. We only have 40 days left in the campaign.”
Trewin said the needs in the community are undeniable.
“They are growing and without the United Way support, those services would not be available,” she said.
“We are offering the opportunity to make change and give opportunities to those people’s lives in Thunder Bay.”
Trewin said she remains optimistic Thunder Bay residents will come through in the crunch.
“We plead to the community because this really is the community’s goal. It’s the community that’s going to benefit. It’s the community that’s going to support its own. We have 66 programs that are waiting for funding to be able to continue to operate, to provide help to the youth and the elderly, the poor and so many more.”
To donate, please visit their website or phone the United Way office at 623-6420.
