THUNDER BAY – The United Way of Thunder Bay is scaling back its annual campaign goal for 2018, a reflection of just how tough it is for charities these days.
After falling short of last year’s $2.55-million fundraising target by about $200,000, this year’s goal has been set at a more modest $2.28-million.
Campaign chair Stephanie Noel said they wanted a realistic number, adding she and the board of directors thought long and hard before setting it this year.
“We always look back when we’re planning the year ahead. We always look at the year before and we look at the funds that were raised,” Noel said.
“And then we look at the programs that are already in place, in terms of employee giving, corporate leaders, and then we ascertain what our opportunities are, how we can go out in the community and grow our fundraising initiatives.”
Noel wasn’t too concerned the organization will likely be collecting less in 2018 than it did in 2017.
“We want to set a realistic goal and we’ll always shoot to meet the goal and beat the goal,” she said on Wednesday morning at the annual campaign kick-off breakfast.
“There are always challenges in the community for fundraising and there are many demands on the dollars. We do have other initiatives that are separate for the United Way. In competing for those dollars we have to make sure we stay positive and that we impress on the community that we have 57 programs that provide incredible services to those in need.”
She remained confident they’ll hit this year’s target.
“We will focus on that and look forward to meeting our goal,” Noel said.
The breakfast, held at the Valhalla Inn, was also a chance for the United Way of Thunder Bay to honour long-time volunteer and former publisher of the Chronicle-Journal, Colin Bruce.
Bruce, who chaired the 2004 campaign, has been with the organization for more than a quarter of a century, and said he was absolutely humbled when he got the call notifying him that he’d been chosen.
“It is very special, it is very dear,” Bruce said, calling Judge the quintessential volunteer.
“Ross and I snaggled and debated and locked horns at almost every board meeting. We loved each other and when we walked out of the room, no matter how colourful the conversation was inside, we always walked out with the same voice. I respected him so much.”
United Way of Thunder Bay president Norm Gale called him a worthy recipient, saying Bruce has helped the organization become what it is today.
“Colin is an inspiring volunteer, a generous contributor to our community and an excellent ambassador for the United Way,” Gale said.
To help the organization hit its goal, the United Way of Thunder Bay has enlisted some powerful help. The J. Armand Bombardier Foundation has provided a matching grant of $20,000 in support of the 12-4-12 program. The program will match the donation of anyone who becomes a Leader of the Way and commits to donate $1,200 to the United Way Community Fund. Current Leaders of the Way who increase their donation by 10 per cent will also receive 10 per cent in matching funds.
The United Way has also begun a 10-4-10 program in partnership with Tbaytel, with the municipally owned utility providing $1,000 to the community fund for the first 10 workplace campaigns started with an accompanying corporate donation.
To donate, visit www.uwaytbay.ca.
