With the penny being phased out, the United Way may have look for a replacement to its annual penny-collecting campaign.
Money has been pouring in for the Thunder Bay United Way’s Pennies for Change campaign for the past month bringing in a total of $1,600 as of Thursday. United Way Thunder Bay executive director Joanne Kembel said they’re happy with the amount they raised so far and hope to reach last year’s goal of $20,000.
But the federal government has begun to phase out the penny, calling into question what fundraising campaigns will do once the one cent coin is gone.
Kembel said she’s being collecting pennies and trying to give them away. She expects everyone is looking to do do the same.
“They weigh you down,” she said. “We started with pennies from heaven 20 years ago. We go one year at a time. We’re looking at what we’re doing next year but we haven’t developed any strategies thus far.
“The United Way is grateful for anything that anyone can give. A small gift goes a long way.”
Donations can be made at the United Way office on Barton Street or call at 623-6420.
The campaign runs through April but penny donations will continue throughout the year.
