United Way squeaks past campaign goal target

The United Way of Thunder Bay set a lofty $2.525-million fundraising goal in 2011.

When all the pennies were counted they surpassed it, if only barely, cracking their target by a mere $226.

Campaign cochairman Jules Tupker revealed their campaign success on Thursday night at a volunteer appreciation dinner, noting just how close they came to coming up short.

“Never in history has the local organization had such a close campaign,” Tupker said. “Every single donation played an integral part in this success. We applaud the generosity of the people of our community and the hard-working volunteers who gave tirelessly of their time to make this happen.”

In addition to the donations, Tupker said the charitable organization was also given $218,500 worth of shares from the senior management at KWG Resources Inc. The money derived from the sale will be used to establish a residence for students attending Dennis Franklin Cromarty High School.

Tupker said he wanted to thank the community for its generosity.

“Your generosity will make positive and lasting change, offering help and hope to thousands of local people,” he said.

“Together we are supporting programs and services in our community which hekp kids to be all that they can be, move people from poverty to possibility and foster healthy people and strong communities.”