Record funds raised

Despite facing a faltering economy and a deep local recession, the local United Way chapter surpassed its $2.24 million fundraising goal for 2009 with a total of $2,385,848.

"We knew we had an uphill battle, but the campaign team did a fabulous job," said 2009 campaign chair Murray Walberg. "Our hundreds of volunteers really dug in and worked really hard and most of all, our community really responded to the need and we raised more money than we ever have."

In early December, the campaign was still $700,000 short of its goal and Walberg said the fear of not reaching the goal was always on his mind.

"You’re concerned about trying to raise the money we set out to raise, especially when you know if you don’t meet your goal, some of those 60 critical programs wont’ be sustained for the next year."

With a challenging campaign ahead of them, Walberg said they knew using the same strategies as previous years wouldn’t work. They tried new special events that raised $100,000 more than last year and the organization also targeted new employers to start employee campaigns – they were up 54 per cent in employee campaigns.

They also reached out to the community to show people what the United Way stands for and make that connection so people would be inspired to give to the campaign, said Walberg.

"It really shows that when the economy falters, it’s that much more important to give because those that are most vulnerable in our society are the ones that are hurting the most," he said. "Those are the things that really helped make a difference this year."

The Globe and Mail recently reported that charitable giving is down 40 per cent across Canada, said Walberg, adding that makes achieving their goal particularly satisfying.

"We know that other United Way campaigns – our heart goes out to them – they’ve fallen short this year," he said.

"They’ve extended their campaigns, but here in Thunder Bay, it’s just amazing. We’ve been hit harder than most when you look at our economy but Thunder Bay always seems to deliver."