THUNDER BAY – The United Way of Thunder Bay has collected $1.1 million toward its annual campaign goal, but there’s still a long way to go.
Campaign co-chair Kelly Gallagher on Thursday said the total represents just 44 per cent of the $2.55-million target, with just five weeks left to go.
Knowing there are still some large campaign contributions left to come, including an expected $200,000 from the City of Thunder Bay’s employee program, Gallagher said she’s confident the public will come through once again for the United Way.
“At this point we’re excited and we’re optimistic going forward,” she said. “The message for us going forward is we can’t get there without our community support. That first $1 million is so key to us.
“But we still need to get to that $2.55 million goal. We need those other donations to come in. So we really want to remind our citizens and businesses in Thunder Bay the importance of that.”
The United Way of Thunder Bay funds 59 different programs and affects the lives of about one-in-three people in the city.
Co-chair Mike Gallagher encouraged everyone to dig a little deeper this year and make a donation, suggesting Giving Tuesday on Nov. 28 as the perfect time to pitch in.
“We want to use the opportunity to ask people to please remember to give. Not everybody is as fortunate as everybody else and the United Way of Thunder Bay wants to help the less fortunate,” he said.
“We want to help families, so we’re asking everybody and their families to help us help the people of Thunder Bay.”
No amount is too big or too small, he added.
To donate, visit www.uwaytbay.ca, send a cheque through the mail or stop by their office at 1006-715 Hewitson Street.
