Although the goal is lofty, the United Way of Central Alberta thinks it’s $2.25-million fundraising target is attainable.
Kicking off its 2013 campaign at the Red Deer Sheraton on Thursday, the United Way announced the goal at the annual luncheon. Organizers launched the idea that everyone can be a superhero in their community if they contribute to the United Way.
Last year, the organization surpassed its goal of raising $1.95 million when, by Jan. 17, it had raised $2.115 million.
“We were fortunate enough last year to get to it,” said Buck Buchanan, United Way volunteer campaign co-chair. “The number doesn’t stop when we get there. We make it $2.25 million, but we need $5.25 million, there is never enough.”
Several people who have had to use services provided by agencies supported by the United Way spoke to a packed room. Carla Schneider was one of them. A former delivery driver for an automotive paint supplier, she was on a delivery when she was hit by a speeding vehicle as she was making a left hand turn.
Schneider suffered brain and spinal trauma. Seven years later, she found support from two United Way-funded Agencies: the Canadian National Institute for the Blind and the Canadian Mental Health Association.
Last year, 108,836 people were assisted by programs and services supported by the local United Way. About one in three Central Albertans receive help from the United Way every year.
Over the next four months the United Way will be in fundraising overdrive trying to reach its goal. More than $219,000 has already been raised as part of its annual Jumpstart program.
“People need to realize that although the United Way has been around for almost 50 years, we still need everyone’s help to make this campaign a success and to help everyone who needs assistance,” said Buchanan.
Buchanan’s co-chair Dustin Sunby added that the United Way strives to encourage more people to step forward to support their community so that more people can receive the help they need.
The Leadership Matching Challenge moves ahead for its second year with a total of $28,500 available to match donations of $1,000 or more. Any existing United Way donors who want to increase their donation to $1,000 or more will also have their donations matched. The money in the Leadership Matching Challenge fund has been donated by several local businesses and individuals.
Established in 1965, the Central Alberta United Way has invested more than $24 million in local communities.
For more information, go to www.caunitedway.ca.
mcrawford@www.reddeeradvocate.com