I am assisting the United Way in its attempt to raise $100,000 through the Women United Campaign to support programs in the Halifax region. It has been an eye-opener to me to learn just how many agencies depend on the United Way to supplement their own fundraising efforts or support some of their key programs. The programs target all age groups and many varied needs from mental health and addictions to housing for women or youth living in untenable situations.

Like you, I have supported many charities in the past often because some issues touched me more personally than others and I will continue to do so. What I like about this campaign though is that the money raised stays in this community and that the United Way determines for me where my donation is most needed at this particular time. I would have no way of knowing myself which of the many worthy causes out there are in most need and I like that my donation will be distributed among many programs not just the one or two I might have otherwise selected to support. I am also very pleased to know that the administrative costs incurred by the United Way in doing its work is less than that of many other agencies. We all want our donations to make a difference in the lives of those less fortunate than ourselves and I feel very confident that my and your donation through this campaign will do just that.
Thanks for considering making a donation to the Women United campaign.

I hope you share my belief that our contributions can make our community healthier and stronger one person at a time.

- Fiona Bergin

This is my community. It's where my parents decided to settle and raise a family. It's where I decided to go to university and start a career. It's where I've decided to stay and raise my family. This community has given me so much and continues to give. It's time for me to give back. Everyone has something to contribute and some of the best contributions come in the form of time and experience.

I want to show my daughters how important it is to give a hand up to those who need it. That's why the United Way of Halifax is so important. They realize how important it is to recognize the value in every member of our community. If I can be a small part of their success, it would be an honour. Please join me!

- Lisa Blackburn

I am an optometrist and partner with Family Vision Clinic in Halifax/Dartmouth for the past 20 years. In my practice I have the opportunity to interact with patients as young as two and as old as 98. These children and seniors are the cornerstones of our community. I've realized some of them require more help than is readily available to them. Therefore when United Way approached me to take part in the 2012 Women United campaign, I realized how in many ways, this is the ideal way to give back to the community in our own backyards!

I am honoured to participate in such a worthwhile campaign which I now understand reaches such a wide variety of charities, some of which are so unknown. As a business owner and as a mother, it is important to show my children the value and reward of reaching out to such a diverse group of different people with needs that go beyond just financial donations. I want to spread the word about the 55 charities that are supported by United Way in so many ways. Helping others make changes is exciting and challenging and hopefully inspiring to all those we meet along the way, to make life in HRM more comfortable for everyone.

I hope I can count on your support.

Dr. Miriam Debly

I believe in the United Way and want to help make a difference in the community that I truly love.....

I have been an investment advisor for over 10 years now and for the past 6 years have worked in an office building located directly on the Halifax waterfront. Some days I have walked into the office, focused on the day ahead, oblivious to my surroundings. Other days I am overwhelmed by a feeling of appreciation towards this beautiful community that I love and have made my home. This sense of pride in my community, my home, compels me to support the United Way and its many excellent programs.

I want to be a part of this movement to make positive change in the community that I feel so very fortunate to be living in.

I am honoured to be included in this group of dedicated female leaders to help raise $100,000 for the United Way of Halifax. Through its funding of a diverse range of programs, United Way makes a huge contribution to our community every day.

Can you imagine our community without support for victims of violence?

Can you imagine our community without daycare?

Can you imagine our community without support for immigrants and seniors?

I know I can’t!

Please join me today, your contribution will help keep our community strong and thriving.

Cheryl Hodder, QC
Partner, McInnes Cooper

As most of you who know me can attest, I place a very high value on ‘giving back’ and have always found the time to volunteer with various organizations both at home and abroad. Locally, I have been active with the Red Cross, Adsum House, Supportive Action for Young Women, and Phoenix House - at both Board and Committee levels - and have also contributed my time as a front-line volunteer to many other organizations. Most recently, I have completed several missions to Central America for Habitat for Humanity and Health for Humanity.

Though all of my experiences have been equally humbling and rewarding – and I remain quite grateful for having had the various opportunities – a part of me has wanted to return to the grass-roots of my own community…HRM.

When I was approached to become involved in Women United for Community (www.womenunited.ca) – it seemed to me to be a perfect fit. Since 1925, women in our community have knocked on doors to raise money for United Way's Community Chest. Women United for Community continues this tradition! As I investigated further, I came to realize that the United Way’s core values seemed to be written with my own in mind.

 I believe in my community
 I believe that its success depends on the people who live in it
 I believe that everyone has something to contribute
 I believe that everyone deserves respect
 I believe that everyone’s potential can be realized
 I believe that diversity is vital
 I believe that every person has value
 I believe that everyone needs help and that everyone can offer help
 I believe that a safe supportive community is everyone’s responsibility
 I believe in possibility
 I believe in the future

This credo struck a chord and called me to action.

Like you, when it comes to personal giving, I am very aware of the importance of ‘making each dollar count.’ Through United Way, 84¢ of every dollar you contribute flows directly back into our community. This translates to 16% fundraising costs which falls well below CRA’s acceptable charitable expense ratio of 30-35% and was a major factor in my decision to become involved. Naturally, a tax receipt will be issued for 100% of your gift.

It is my hope that you will consider supporting me in this endeavour to help others and to help create an even stronger and more vibrant community…our HRM.

- Elizabeth

Together, we are fundraising through Women United to help raise $100,000 for United Way of Halifax Region. They fund many important programs in our community, affecting people of all ages and backgrounds. With the help of family and friends making donations on our page as well as several initiatives we have planned we are optimistic that we will reach our goal of $10,000. We are looking forward to the coming weeks and appreciate your support!

Tammy Milbury & Abby

As a Nova Scotlan born and raised, I have had the opportunity to grow up in one of the best places on earth! I have travelled around the world and done missionary work and volunteered for communities in need. But...right here- in my own backyard there are needs that the United Way is helping to serve. I would like to assist these projects and affect future positive change!

Please help me by donating to the WAY! The WAY wave of the future! United Way assists our town in WAYS that are far reaching; from the homeless to persons with disabilities, United Way is there. Please donate to this cause! You will not regret it!

We believe that everyone can make a difference.

We can all make a difference…big and small. And it’s this belief that we want to instill in each of our three children. As mothers, we believe everyone has the ability to give and to get back….to give of themselves, their time and energy towards making a difference. We all have a gift to share and it’s our responsibility to do so.

The hundreds of volunteers at United Way share their gifts every day to help support social programs and deliver the resources our friends, families, neighbours and community rely on. Please generously support our “Women United for our Community” campaign and help make a difference today.

Jennifer Parkhill
President & CEO, Parkhill Events

Laura Gillham
VP Marketing & Guest Strategy, Empire Theatres Ltd.

Sophie's Message

I support the United Way because I believe that everyone has something to contribute to our community no matter what their age or background. I recognize the value and importance of being involved in your community while growing up. Throughout my life I have always been involved in many different sports and that’s why I think it’s important that the United Way continues its work of encouraging active lifestyles in our community through programs like the YMCA and Boys and Girls Clubs.

By supporting the United Way it ensures that children, youth and people of all ages will have a connection to their community so that they will continue care for it for future generations. Thank you for believing that everyone’s potential can be realized – both young and old.

Mendeira's Message

My name is Menderia Smith and I am a grade eleven student at Citadel High School. I have volunteered at the St Georges Youth Net and the Halifax Community Y for several years. I am involved in many sports, playing varsity Basketball for Citadel High. I love being a role model for younger players.

I am very excited to be involved with the "Women United" Initiative/ United Way Campaign and appreciate the opportunity to be more involved with our community."

Meaghan's Message

Women role models are critical. For me, my role models have motivated, inspired and continue to influence who I am today. I am trying to be a good role model myself by coaching girls in youth sport, in hopes to enhance confidence in them. My name is Meaghan Jackson and I am a grade 12 student at Citadel High School. I am very excited to be a part of United Way and join the Women United team!