United Way officials expect to raise more money for the charities they support this year.
They kicked off their 2010 campaign at the Italian Club in Copper Cliff Sept. 8.
Last year, despite the economic downturn, United Way raised $1,833,000 according to Paul Gomirato, 2009 board president.
Michael Cullen, United Way executive director, said that while no financial goal was set last year, they did bring in more volunteers and individual donors into the campaign. This year, with the economy improving, United Way decided to set a monetary benchmark, as the organization has done in past years.
Jason Bubba, the current board president, said he fully expected the $2 million goal this year would be met because Greater Sudbury is a caring community and realizes the need is out there.
“I have seen, first hand, the results of donor’s dollars,” Bubba said.
“I have seen mothers with hungry babies helped out. Each donation helps and will make an impact on those in need.”
Twelve-year-old Justin Michaud had been named this year’s United Way campaign chair.
The Grade 7 student at Churchill Public School is a gifted orator, according to United Way officials.
“We met Justin last November when he made a presentation at a United Way event at Tom Davies Square for Big Brothers Big Sisters,” Emily Mackwood, United Way resource development manager said. “We were impressed.”
A lot of people in our community need our help.
Justin Michaud, 12,
United Way 2010 campaign chair
Cullen said the appointment of Michaud was a refreshing development.
“We wanted to make sure our 2010 campaign was real and centered on the community. So why not Justin?” he added.
Michaud has benefited directly from United Way funding for Big Brothers Big Sisters.
“I caught my first fish this year thanks to Big Brothers Big Sisters,” he said. “Personally I am glad someone took the time to spend with me.”
Rick Bertrand, Steelworkers Local 6500 president, said his membership was helped out by United Way programs — particularly during the union’s year-long strike.
Striking workers were given referrals to community programs such as financial counseling, Bertrand said.
He said his members, in co-operation with Vale Inco, have been the largest donors to the United Way campaigns over the years and said they would step up to the plate again this year.
Local 6500 raised $800,000 together with non-union staff in 2008, Cullen said. In 2009, that figure dropped to $160,000 during the labour conflict. However the company made a corporate donation of $400,000 to the campaign in both years.
Community involvement in fundraising is key. Just ask Sylvia Barnard, president of Cambrian College. She said youth and staff at the college have participated in United Way fundraisers for at least eight years. “Last year we raised $20,000 through a United Way payroll deduction program and from events organized by our students both on and off campus.”
She said 60 per cent of her students were older and “have families and deal with the challenges that entails ... Some may even be recipients of United Way programs, especially their children.”
For more information, phone 560-3330, visit 105 Elm St. or www.unitedwaysudbury.com.
Some United Way funded programs
- Better Beginnings Better Futures-pre-teen program offering a safe place for children to meet their friends, have a nutritious snack and have help with their homework
- Canadian Hearing Society-hearing health care for seniors
- Canadian National Institute for the Blind-independent living resources program that provides assessment and support for daily living
- Big Brothers Big Sisters of Sudbury and District-matching program for youth between the ages of six and 16 in community and school settings
- Human League Association-breakfast club for kids and school nutrition program
- Coats for Kids Program-in partnership with Sudbury Steam Cleaners and Uptown Cleaners donations of gently used coats jackets and ski pants for children and adults are accepted during October
- Community Volunteer Income Tax Program-income tax returns completed by trained volunteers for qualifying individuals and families
- Young Leaders on Board Program-enables youth between 18 and 29 years of age to serve on the boards of directors of non-profit organizations as interns
