THUNDER BAY -- Almost 40,000 people in this city use programs and services funded by the United Way each year.
“It could be us. It could be our family. It could be our neighbours. It’s really important that we make sure those programs continue to be there,” said Carol Busch, 2012 campaign chair for the United Way.
Busch is also the municipal division chairwoman for the City of Thunder Bay’s 2012 United Way campaign and was on hand Thursday for the city’s campaign kickoff luncheon at the CLE Heritage building.
The city supports the United Way through various activities throughout the year like spaghetti suppers and a baseball tournament, but Thursday’s luncheon was a way for all the city staff - including the District Social Services Administration Board, Superior North EMS, Thunder Bay Public Library and TBayTel – to gather and reflect on the importance of the United Way and the ways they can help support the organization.
The United Way funds 28 agencies that deliver 67 programs accessed by one in three people annually.
“As city employees, we want to do our part to lead by example and make our city a better place to be,” she said.
Last year the city campaign raised $181,950 and TBayTel contributed $45,000.
TBayTel hopes to raise that same amount this year and the city is hoping to exceed last year’s total and reach $187,800. The United Way’s total campaign goal for this year is $2,602,012.
In addition to the luncheon, the city will also raise money through payroll deduction, dress down days and special events.
