United Way's Billboard Rescue annually the charity's largest fundraising event

THUNDER BAY -- The United Way of Thunder Bay’s annual billboard rescue is unquestionably the charity’s largest fundraiser of the year.

A year ago it took in more than $130,000 and in its first 23 years has raised millions in support of the United Way.

Shawn Christie, who hosts the event each year at Lowerys, said the Billboard Rescue has a huge impact on the 29 agencies and 60 projects the organization funds each year.

“This has been going on for 24 years now. That in itself is astounding. And it’s been so supported by the community and it’s still carrying on,” Christie said.

“We’re still bringing in the big numbers. Last year we raised $130,000. We also try to raise over $100,000, though our stretch goal is $150,000. We’d love to do that this year, but we need the support of our community.”

Teams have about a six-week head start ahead of the May 19 event to start collecting pledges before being hoisted into the air on a scissor lift, not allowed to come down before they hit their target.

Christie said it’s simple to understand why people go to great lengths to support the event.

“They’ve probably been touched in some way by the United Way. One in three families get help through the United Way’s funded programs. I think it really touches home with people and they know it’s going to good causes,” Christie said.

“We are helping out the people of Thunder Bay.”

Mary McLellan, the 2016 United Way of Thunder Bay campaign chairwoman, said while they tend to get a lot of repeat support, there’s always room for more teams.

“We need teams, so just call the United Way office. You can sign up on line and I’m going to challenge all the hotels out there to jump on board and put a team in,” said McLellan, the general manager of the Valhalla Inn.

The benefits are clear, she said.

And it’s not that difficult to convince friends and colleagues to donate to such a worthy cause and minimize one’s time atop the scissor lift.
“We’ve gone up before and pulled out our contacts, started calling them while we were up on the lift and generated $5,000 just from doing that,” she said. “It’s a fun event, everybody gets into the spirit of it and it’s a great way to generate some money for the community.”

More information can be found on the event Facebook page and the United Way of Thunder Bay’s website.