THUNDER BAY - Despite falling short of its campaign goal, United Way Thunder Bay is still celebrating the hard work of its volunteers and fundraisers, who dedicated countless hours to help those in need, some of whom were once in a similar position.
“One in five use the United Way services,” said Jason Beck, Union Gas northwest district United Way chair. “I’m one in five. I’ve used the United Way service and now I’m in the position where I can give back, so I am just thankful I can help.”
During a celebration on Wednesday, United Way Thunder Bay revealed that the 2018 campaign brought in $2,042,662, more than $230,000 short of the $2.28 million goal that was already reduced from the $2.55 million target of 2017. The United Way Thunder Bay has not met it's fundraising goal since 2014.
Martin Wyant, who took on the position of chief executive officer at United Way Thunder Bay last December, said there is a downward trend with respect to many fundraising campaigns, not just the United Way.
“I think that is part of the change we have to consider,” he said. “We are moving forward into a different fundraising environment where traditional campaigns like the one we have, they are important to continue, but we need to look at new ways of getting messaging out to people.”
Wyant said he would like to see future campaigns take a more modern approach in fundraising efforts and better utilize technology and focus on specific initiatives.
“I think you are going to see some of that from us,” he said. “That is part of the way of the world and I think we need to adapt and adjust and I think we need to make sure we are including that.”
In the coming months, United Way Thunder Bay will look at allocating the funds raised to different programs and services in the city, but Wyant said the reduction in fundraising dollars will impact some services.
“People will feel the impact of course, no matter what,” he said. “We will do our best to try and lessen that. Moving forward what we are going to be focusing on is getting at issues in our community and identifying key issues that United Way will be focusing its energy on.”
“But $2 million is still substantial money that will go a long way to helping people in our community,” Wyant continued. “It will make a big difference.”
No matter the dollar amount raised, Wyant said it’s important to celebrate the people who work so hard during the campaign because often the people who are helped by United Way services don’t know how or who they can thank.
“We want everybody to know that their time, their energy, their commitment I so valued by so many,” he said.
Beck, along with several others, were recognized with Workplace Campaign Awards on Wednesday for demonstrating leadership in the workplace for United Way campaigns.
According to Beck, Union Gas raised several thousand dollars through a companywide 50/50 draw and other events like luncheons and BBQs.
Next year, he will be working with United Way Thunder Bay on a new project that he hopes will be a big draw for everyone because he wants to see more people helping the community, just like the United Way helped him.
“United Way services impacts everybody on every level, regardless of your economic background or poverty level,” he said. “Every dollar that can be raised by the community and given back to the community is a positive.”
