United Way of Central Alberta remains hush on the amount of money it wants to raise for its 2014 fundraising campaign and on how much its raised so far.
When the community agency held its annual fundraising campaign kickoff in September, it purposely did not set a specific dollar amount as its goal.
“We really want to get people thinking about us being a community impact organization, not just a fundraiser,” said United Way CEO Robert Mitchell on Friday.
“There certainly hasn’t been any backlash. There hasn’t been much discussion around the goal at all.”
The only dollar figure announced so far was at the September launch when guests to the luncheon heard $231,000 had already been donated to the 2014 United Way campaign.
Mitchell said eliminating goals is a bit of a trend. Some United Way organizations don’t set a goal and haven’t for a few years.
The United Way may make announcements when it hits $1 million or $2 million, he said.
The 2013 campaign surpassed $2.2 million, a first for the United Way of Central Alberta.
Some Central Alberta companies have already started their annual workplace campaigns to raise money for the United Way. More are starting in November.
“We’re pleased with the progress.”
Mitchell said there’s also been a lot of buzz around the Leadership Matching Challenge.
Any donations that are $1,000 or more are matched dollar-for-dollar until the matching challenge fund is depleted.
This year, leadership matching sponsors have committed to match $37,500.
People can access matching dollars through workplace campaigns, online at www.caunitedway.ca, mailing a cheque or by phoning in pledges to 403-343-3900.
Funds raised by United Way of Central Alberta last year supported more than 48 programs throughout the region.
szielinski@www.reddeeradvocate.com