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United Way shooting for $2 million

The United Way of Central Alberta is taking another shot at a $2-million fundraising goal.
A01-Local-United-Way
Keeping with the 'Jump In' theme of the kick off luncheon to the 2010 United Way Campaign

The United Way of Central Alberta is taking another shot at a $2-million fundraising goal for its 2010 campaign.

While last year’s flagging economy meant only $1.8 million was raised towards 2009’s goal of $2 million, 2010 campaign chairman Lars Rogers sees enough signs of economic improvement to “take another run at it.”

Certainly there’s enough local need.

“Even if we raised $4 million, we could still use it most wisely,” said Rogers, who added before this year’s kickoff luncheon at the Capri Centre on Wednesday that he hopes the new goal is exceeded. “We’d like (Central Albertans) to help us ensure that no one is left behind.”

The irony of tough times is that while non-profit groups and agencies are trying to help more needy clients, there are fewer funding sources available to them. “There are challenges on both sides, with increased demand and decreasing funding,” said Rogers, CIBC’s general manager for business banking. He noted the government has been tightening its belt at the same time as many Albertans are finding it harder to donate to charities.

But with signs of economic recovery, “we’re optimistic about hitting our goal” with the help of supportive local businesses and individuals, he added.

The United Way supports 32 local agencies, including the Women’s Outreach.

Money raised by the local United Way impacts the lives of about 100,000 people annually. The umbrella organization estimates that one in three Central Albertans use services supported by the United Way.

Rogers said he’s seen, firsthand, the growing need in the community through his work with the United Way of Central Alberta’s board of governors and the citizens review committee.

“Now, more than ever, there are people in our community who can’t pay rent, who can’t afford counselling to help them deal with crisis, who are facing abuse or who are learning to cope with a disability. . . . We do not want to leave these people behind.”

Rogers, who previously led the South Okanagan United Way campaign, is heartened that $100,000 has already been committed by various Central Alberta businesses.

“We got the campaign off to a quick start. Five per cent of our goal has already been raised from early commitments.”

Roger Bereault, a professional fundraiser and keynote speaker, who has raised millions for the United Way, was the guest speaker at the luncheon.

Bereault, who has muscular dystrophy and has used various community agencies, said no one should ever be apologetic about asking people to donate to a good cause. “There’s nothing more ennobling than asking someone to give” in order to better their community, he said, adding the United Way is the heart of any community because it supports its basic social service infrastructure.

“The money that’s given here stays here and works for you.”

lmichelin@www.reddeeradvocate.com