Posted by Sudbury Northern Life Reporter Bill Bradley
Despite a faltering economy, the United Way and the people of Greater Sudbury have once again pulled out all the stops to help those in need.
This year's total for the agency is $2,433,034, up from
last year's record breaking amount of over $2.2 million.
The announcement was made Thursday by campaign chair Jim
Thompson at the Caruso Club.
"This year's total is a collaborative effort by workplace campaigns, individuals, labour, corporate gifts, and special events. This is United Way/Centraide's third year of record growth," according to a release.
Over 60 programs through 30 community agencies in Sudbury and
District are assisted by the United Way.
The United Steelworkers Local 6500, with the assistance of Vale Inco and its staff, raised $1.2 million. The company itself donated $400,000. Local 598/CAW, with the assistance of Xstrata staff, raised $274,000.
"I have to say Local 598/CAW and Xstrata as a partner has been on a real growth pattern for us over the last three years," said Thompson.
"I can't say how much (both mining companies and their employees) meant for our campaign," he said Thompson.
The generous contributions of citizens was not surprising to Mayor John Rodriguez.
"We were recognized in October by a national magazine as ranking in the top five out of 35 cities across Canada in terms of charitable giving. This shows we continue to exhibit a spirit of generosity that is the envy of others," said Rodriguez.
Thompson said that when he was visiting Las Vegas, he met a woman from a community organization in the American mid-west who benefited from their version of United Way.
"She boasted her community of one million raised $1.8 million. When I said we raised $2.2 million last year in of a community of 160,000, she refused to believe me. Finally, after much convincing, she said she was amazed."
One reason for success was targeting new sectors, such as the local school boards and the mining supply and service sector, and encouraging traditional givers such as Canada Revenue Agency, City of Greater Sudbury and post-secondary institutions to ante up more, said Thompson.
Another reason for the United Way's was the use of their promotional video. The short video comprised of still images, outlining the reasons for giving, was screened at the announcement.
"Our campaign video, Where Do I Belong, really helped us this year. It was done entirely through volunteer effort donated by local musicians."
With themes like life does not have to be like this and you can bring hope for a better life, the multimedia approach paid dividends this year, noted Thompson.
