It’s now United Way day in Thunder Bay.
For the first time ever, the city declared Sept. 29 as United Way day. A flag was flown at city hall Thursday morning to mark the occasion.
United Way campaign co-chair Jules Tupker said it’s a great opportunity to keep the organization’s name out there.
“We’re always out there asking for money but I think it’s an opportunity for us to say what that money does,” Tupker said.
The money helps fund 27 agencies and 66 programs in Thunder Bay. Tupker said he’s not sure why the organization didn’t ask they city to designate a day in the past but he’s glad that officials at city hall came up with the idea.
“It’s just something that never dawned on us. I don’t think we ever asked the city to do that,” he said. “It’s great.”
Along with special events, The United Way has over 300 employee campaigns making contributions. The United Way’s goal this year is $2.5 million, or more specifically $2,525,252.52.
Tupker said the campaign is well on its way to completing that goal.
Thursday also kicked off the city employee’s 2011 United Way campaign. For $7, city employees could get lunch at the CLE Heritage Building, which usually brings in about $10,000.
City treasurer and campaign co-chair Carol Busch said if the packed Heritage Building was any indication of city employees’ donating spirit, 2011 is going to be a great year for the United Way. The city is hoping to raise $172,000.
“We try to stretch ourselves each year because there are so many folks in our community that rely on the services provided,” Busch said.
