Each year they raise the bar, and so far Central Alberta has managed to meet the challenge.
More than 550 people came out for the 2009 United Way campaign kickoff luncheon at the Red Deer Lodge on Thursday.
This year’s theme is ‘1 in 3’ as one in three people will use programs and services at some point that are supported by United Way. The 2009 fundraising goal, unveiled by a group of young Red Deer students, is a staggering $2,103,103 — up from last year’s goal of $2 million.
“As the world changed before our eyes last year, many of our friends and neighbours, through no fault of their own, found themselves in challenging times,” said campaign chair Darcy Mykytyshyn in a prepared statement. “That is why we chose the 1 in 3 theme. Helping one another became powerful motivators as we looked at how each one of us can demonstrate personal leadership and action.”
Established in 1965, United Way of Central Alberta promotes itself as a charity that works to improve lives and build community by engaging people into collective action.