Community leaders gathered September 24 to launch the 2012 Annual Campaign for United Way Halifax. Campaign Co-Chairs, Kim Mason, RBC Regional President, Atlantic Provinces and John Rogers, Q.C. Chief Executive Officer of Stewart McKelvey, revealed the goal before an audience of United Way’s Pacesetters. This group committed to running a campaign, matching employee giving or contributing a corporate gift in advance of the Annual Campaign Kickoff.

In her remarks to the audience, Kim Mason said, “RBC has committed to a matching grant to encourage donors who missed a year of giving and are now planning to give. The Recommit to Believing in Community matches donations up to $50,000.

John Rogers described the goal as aggressive yet achievable and issued a challenge to government and industry leaders to motivate employees to contribute to community. “The goal is $6.265 million and we are committed to this total because it is what our community needs to support programs to change poverty to possibility and encourage healthy living. Thanks to a dedicated group of volunteers representing the public and private sectors, we are motivated to achieve this amount.”

Karen Furneaux, three time Olympian Sprint Kayaker and world record holder inspired guests with motivational examples and experiences that helped her reach her Olympic dreams. Three RBC Olympians, Ben Russell, Andrew Russell and Jillian D’Alessio along with Paralympian sailor, Paul Tingley shared their Olympic stories with guests at the breakfast.

The Annual United Way campaign is held between September and December giving workplace employees the opportunity to contribute through payroll deduction. One thousand workplace campaigns are organized annually by over 5000 volunteers. United Way also receives additional staff support from local organizations that donate a staff member for four months to assist with campaigns. Eleven Loaned Representatives have joined United Way until December and this keeps expenses to a minimum while United Way effectively and efficiently raises money to change social conditions.

Recently United Way announced two ambitious social change goals relating to poverty and health. These issues were identified after two years of volunteer led research and discussion to find the most critical community concerns facing our residents. United Way has articulated four strategies and priorities to begin to address these issues. Going forward all funding will be distributed to change these two conditions.

United Way, founded in 1925 was originally named the Community Chest. Over the years, millions of dollars have been raised to support social change in our community. Next to government, United Way is the largest funder of the social service sector in the Halifax region.

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Carole McDougall
Director of Communications
United Way Halifax
902-461-3082 (Office) 902-499-3054 (Cell)