THUNDER BAY – The United Way of Thunder Bay didn’t quite hit their 2016 fundraising goal, but organization president Mike Belliveau said missing by less than $45,000 is a success.
Given the economic climate facing Thunder Bay, getting that close will still allow the United Way to help thousands of people in the year ahead, he said, moments after it was announced they had come in at $2.618 million.
“The economy of Thunder Bay has been moving along, but it essence, not in major growth, major change and job structures. We haven’t seen a drop in jobs … but the income levels for families aren’t what they were 10 years go,” Belliveau said.
“We think that this is an incredible achievement, given the challenges that are out there. And it’s everything to the credit to the people of Thunder Bay, who know and understand the importance of the programs and services the United Way supports.
Campaign co-chairman called it a phenomenal outpouring of support from the community as a whole. “I couldn’t be more proud of the team for raising money for people in need right here in our community,” Nitz said.
About 260 workplaces took part in the annual campaign, hosting a variety of fundraising events from barbecues to dress-down days.
Belliveau said it’s ideas like that, thinking outside of the box, that will ensure successful campaigns moving forward.
“We’re more than aware of how important it is to try to maintain the status quo, but you can never do that in a vacuum,” he said. “You’ve got to continue to evolve. We’re looking forward to new opportunities to identify fundraising niches. And we’ll find our way.”
Nitz said he's extremely confidant they can manage the 1.5 per cent shortfall.
"We have an amazing team and everyone's going to do amazing things this year."
