Brandon Sun - PRINT EDITION
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Bob Cey (left), the 2012 campaign chair for the United Way of Brandon & District announces the fundraising goal of $775,000, with the help of his campaign team on Thursday morning at Princess Park.
The United Way of Brandon and District revealed its 2012 fundraising goal Thursday — an ambitious $775,000.
Dozens came out to Princess Park for the official launch of the annual campaign.
"Today marks a celebration of the spirit and generosity of our city, as over 80 workplaces from across Brandon and district launch their employee campaigns in support of our work in the community," said campaign chair Bob Cey.
"Each year, we are deeply touched by the enthusiasm and commitment every one of these groups bring to the campaign, and how much you truly do care for our city."
As many as one in three people in the Brandon area depends on programs and services provided by the United Way each year.
"Increased cost of housing and living expenses means that even working families are having a harder time to make ends meet," Cey said. "Thanks to your support, we will make sure that critical services are there for them when they need it most."
The need is growing in Brandon — the Helping Hands soup kitchen is serving an average of 180 meals per day, while the Samaritan House handed out a record 1,400 hampers last month.
United Way staff and volunteers packaged up enough school supplies to help 835 disadvantaged students as part of the Tools for School program.
Last year’s campaign raised $706,000, and hopes are high that they will be able to exceed that by nearly $70,000 this year.
"I think the goal is very, very attainable," said interim chief executive officer Cynamon Mychasiw. "We have a really active campaign team. They recruited 32 people in total that are going to be out canvassing the community, and they’re looking for a 10 per cent increase which, year over year is very much doable."
This year, United Way celebrates 75 years of community impact.
It began back in 1938 as the Brandon and District Community Chest and War Bond Appeal.
"By working together, United Way has become a positive force for change right here in Brandon," Cey said.
The United Way’s 2012 campaign will be missing a familiar face. Dedicated community advocate and former CEO Debbie Arsenault passed away in July after a lengthy battle with cancer. She spent 33 years with the United Way and will be greatly missed.
"I think the one thing that Deb would want most is for everything to go on as it always does," Mychasiw said.
"She’d want us to get fully behind our campaign and give it everything we’ve got and that’s exactly what we’re going to do."
» jaustin@brandonsun.com
Republished from the Brandon Sun print edition September 21, 2012
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The United Way of Brandon and District revealed its 2012 fundraising goal Thursday — an ambitious $775,000.
Dozens came out to Princess Park for the official launch of the annual campaign.
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The United Way of Brandon and District revealed its 2012 fundraising goal Thursday — an ambitious $775,000.
Dozens came out to Princess Park for the official launch of the annual campaign.
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