THUNDER BAY – The annual United Way of Thunder Bay Billboard Rescue is still going strong headed into its 26th year.
The event, the biggest fundraiser for the organization, annually raises in the neighbourhood of $100,000, a huge chunk of the estimated $2.6-million campaign target set each September.
Lowery’s co-owner and Billboard Rescue so-sponsor Shawn Christie said it’s become a bit of an institution in the city.
“It’s a staple in the community. People know they’re going to be getting those phone calls from the people who are putting teams in for the event. It helps out so many people and so many different programs the United Way supports,” Christie said on Thursday as organizers launched the campaign phase of this year’s event, slated for May 17 outside of Lowerys Central Avenue store.
It’s as simple premise.
Teams register and then phone their friends, family and colleagues to collect pledges, the goal being each team turn in at least $2,500 at the end of the day.
Those who don’t hit their goal by the time the Billboard Rescue rolls around are sent 50 feet into the air on a scissor lift with phones in hand to attempt to finish off their pledge promise.
Christie said they goal is to sign up at least 40 teams.
“We usually get around 34 to 36 teams, so we’re still looking. So if anyone’s interested, they can contact the United Way’s offices,” he said.
Co-sponsor Donna Yocom, a regional director with Investor’s Group, said there’s a reason why the Billboard Rescue has survived – the impact it has each year.
“One in three people are positively impacted by the benefits that are provided by the United Way. There are many programs and agencies and initiatives that are either put on by the United Way or they support these programs,” Yocom said.
“When people reach out and talk to members of the United Way, or perhaps go on the website, I can promise you you’ll be inclined to write a bigger cheque to donate to these amazing programs.”
On the day of the event a public fundraising barbecue will also be held in conjunction with the Billboard Rescue, with food available between 11:30 a.m. and 2 p.m.
To sign on, phone Erika at 626-1759 or visit www.uwaytbay.ca.
