United Way beats $700,000 goal

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This article was published 22/03/2025 (208 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

United Way Brandon & District has met and surpassed its $700,000 financial goal for the 2024 campaign.

Campaign chair Barry Cooper, speaking during the organization’s annual touchdown and volunteer appreciation event Friday afternoon at the Victoria Inn, attributed the feat to the support of volunteers and donors in 2024.

The event also featured a special moment as United Way CEO Cynamon Mychasiw was awarded the King Charles III Coronation Medal for her “exceptional” contributions to the community.

The generosity of donors and the commitment of volunteers played pivotal roles in the organization’s campaign in 2024, the chair told the Sun at the event.

“Our financial goal was $700,000, but we raised $700,362 at the end of the year due to the overwhelming support received from the community,” he said. “We are happy with how the whole campaign went. We’re so fortunate to have such a strong community that understands the value of the United Way and chooses to support it with their own money.”

He said all funds raised through the campaign were locally sourced, with no provincial funding included in the total.

While the campaign exceeded its target, the demand for support continues to grow in the community, board co-chair Kevin Bailey told the Sun.

“The need is not going away, it’s growing,” Bailey said. “We have to continue working hard to ensure that families and individuals in our community get the support they need.”

Bailey also acknowledged the critical role of volunteers in United Way’s operations.

“The challenge we face is finding enough volunteers to help us meet our goals. Life is busy for everyone, but the work we do relies heavily on the support of those willing to step up and contribute their time and effort,” he said.

A highlight of the event was the presentation of the coronation medal to Mychasiw. The prestigious award recognizes Canadians who have made significant contributions to their communities, and Mychasiw is the first United Way leader in the Brandon area to receive this honour.

Brandon-Souris MP Larry Maguire said it was his “honour and privilege” to present her as the recipient of the medal in recognition of her dedication to community development and volunteerism and her contributions to United Way. He noted that United Way had greatly acknowledged her efforts and the medal served as a token of appreciation from Canada.

“It was a real honour to recognize the recipient alongside her family because it is proof their efforts had not gone unnoticed,” he said at the event, adding that 30,000 Canadians have received the medallion, with 30 recipients in western Manitoba, “and she is one of the 30.”

He described the medals as a powerful symbol of excellence, honouring individuals who positively impact others’ lives.

While acknowledging the recipient’s contributions, he also highlighted the many other volunteers and dedicated workers who may not have received the recognition they deserved.

Reflecting on the broader impact of volunteerism, Maguire said thousands of individuals engage in these efforts daily without seeking credit. He noted that, like Mychasiw, many serve their communities selflessly, a principle that aligns with the work United Way undertakes in raising funds for various community projects.

Maguire pointed out that Westman, in particular, is known for its strong volunteer spirit. He cited a past report indicating that, on a per capita basis, the region ranked highest in the province for charitable giving.

Bailey praised Mychasiw’s unwavering dedication.

“Cynamon is passionate about our community and works tirelessly to help those in need. It was truly a special moment for all of us to see her receive this well-deserved recognition,” he said.

Mychasiw expressed her surprise and gratitude for the award.

“I’m overwhelmed. I love these events because they allow me to recognize others, but taking accolades myself is harder. I’m honoured that my board put me forward and that United Way Canada felt I was deserving,” she said.

She said the recognition was not just about her but reflected the collective efforts of the entire community.

“This is a testament to not just my work, but the work of my staff and the people of Brandon who make a difference every day. Whether there are awards or not, our priority is always ensuring that our community has the resources and support it needs,” Mychasiw added.

As the 2024 campaign concludes, United Way Brandon & District is already looking to the future. Cooper noted that while he will be stepping down as campaign chair, he is confident that the community will continue its strong tradition of support.

“The United Way must keep demonstrating the value of every donation so that people continue to trust that their contributions are making a real impact,” he said.

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