As the midway point of the United Way of Central Alberta 2010 campaign nears, chairman Lars Rogers is cautiously optimistic that they’ll reach the $2-million goal.
The campaign was launched on Sept. 15 and about $800,000 — or about 40 per cent of the target — has been raised.
“We’re encouraged by the support we’re receiving so far this year,” Rogers said.
“Our pace is running faster than last year. At the same time, we still do have a gap to cover. So we are looking to make sure that everybody does join the movement and help us meet our objective to really make sure that there is no citizen in Central Alberta who’s left without options.”
The campaign fell $200,000 short of the $2-million goal in 2009.
While the economy is showing signs of improvement, Rogers noted that there “continues to be a significant need within Central Alberta” for a number of services.
The United Way supports 32 local agencies that provide services for everyone from youth and seniors to those suffering from visual and mental challenges.
The lives of about 100,000 people are impacted each year by the funds raised by the local United Way. The campaign officially ends on Jan. 31, but Rogers is hoping to reach the goal by mid-December.
“We’re really encouraging people to make their decision to contribute before Christmas so that we can give the whole community a good news story at Christmas time,” he said.
Upcoming fundraising events in support of the United Way of Central Alberta 2010 campaign are:
l CARE Craft and Bake Sale from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. on Saturday at The Hub in Red Deer.
l Sylvan Lake Good Ol’ Hockey Game from 6:15 p.m. to midnight on Nov. 10. at the Sylvan Lake Arena.
l Golden Circle luncheon from noon to 2 p.m. on Nov. 16 and 17 at 4820 47th Ave. in Red Deer.
Many workplaces are also raising funds for the campaign and people can also make an individual donation by visiting the United Way of Central Alberta’s website.
For more information about the upcoming fundraisers or to make a donation, visit www.caunitedway.ca.
More events will be posted online as they near.
ptrotter@www.reddeeradvocate.com