BY HEIDI ULRICHSEN
The Greater Sudbury United Way campaign has surpassed its $1.35 million target in record time this year.
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United Way director Glenn Thibeault and campaign chair Dr. Rayudu Koka give each other High Fives at a news conference Tuesday. |
As of Tuesday, the total had reached $1,360,043. It?s the first time the charity has reached its yearly goal with time to spare.
?I?m grateful to Sudburians...who have been able to give this money generously...Sudburians are always giving people,? said Dr. Rayudu Koka, who
headed up this year?s campaign as campaign chair, along with his wife Rajine and honorary chair Jim Grassby.
Koka hopes the campaign will reach the $1.4 million mark by the end of December.
Last year, United Way raised $1,304,070 in Greater Sudbury.
Money raised through the United Way campaign is used to fund more than 50 community programs that deliver services directly to people in the Greater Sudbury and Espanola regions.
Some of the money also pays for services provided directly by United Way like Coats for Kids and the Volunteer Income Tax Program.
Even though many other charities in the area have been struggling lately, Koka says his fundraising experiences with United Way have always been positive.
That?s because the charity has something to offer everyone, he says.
?It is more prominent and the programs are very appealing. Whether it be mental health, services for the homeless, or services for abused women, we provide support to all those agencies,? says Koka.
Sudburians seem to realize there are people out there who aren?t as fortunate.
?I have had experience in fundraising activities for various causes, and at any time, I never had any problem with people giving,? he says. ?I am
grateful to the people of Sudbury.?
Koka also credits the success of the campaign to a dedicated team of volunteers who worked hard all year on the campaign cabinet.
Campaign director Glenn Thibeault says people can continue contributing towards this year?s goal until Dec. 31.
The final 2004 campaign total will be announced at a luncheon Jan. 27.
