The Central Alberta United Way is a third of the way towards it’s 2012 fundraising campaign goal of about $2 million.
“Our main focus has been personally connecting with our local businesses and donors to let them know that their community needs their support,” said John Knoch, 2012 campaign cabinet co-chair.
“We also have been showing them how giving to United Way is making a difference and changing people’s lives.”
In a four-week span, United Way staff and volunteers have raised 34 per cent of their goal, $675,024, of $1.99 million.
The funds will go to work shortly after the campaign wraps up, with the money going to support programs, services and to provide emergency funds to agencies in need.
Robert Mitchell, CEO of United Way of Central Alberta, said they have created two new grants that help registered charities in the health and social services sectors with capital projects and professional development.
The goal is to look at gaps in the social service sector and work to fill them in as best as possible.
“This is why a successful campaign is so crucial,” said Mitchell. “Each year the demands increase and we are trying our best to meet those demands. Without the support of the community, we can’t fill the gaps.”
The money raised from this year’s campaign, called Change Starts Here, goes directly to the Central Alberta community as it provides funding to more than 30 programs and services.
Last year, 19,613 children and youth received mentorship opportunities, camp experiences, nutrition and education support.
The United Way estimates more than 107,000 people in Central Alberta were helped by the funds raised during last year’s campaign.