Thunder Bay – Community supporters gathered at the Victoria Inn and Convention Centre to join the United Way of Thunder Bay in celebrating the success of the 2015 fundraising campaign. Late last fall the organization was concerned that lagging donations might result in a large shortfall, but once the community learned of this news they truly stepped up to close the gap and tonight the United Way’s Campaign Team was pleased to reveal that a total of $2,654,870 was raised to help local people – just shy of the original goal.
“The impact these dollars will make in our community over the next year is incredible!” said Executive Director Joanne Kembel. “It’s undeniable that the impact of the 2015 Campaign will have lasting effects in our community. Thank you to everyone who contributed – together we are making great things possible for local people.”
Special thanks are given to Bombardier Transportation and The J Armand Bombardier Foundation who generously supported the new Leaders of the Way “Step-Up” program in 2015. For every Leader of the Way that “stepped up” their donation to the United Way Community Fund by a minimum of $200, Bombardier Transportation matched the $200 increase up to a total contribution of $20,000 in support of this initiative.
The United Way was also pleased to recognize the nearly 300 workplace employee campaigns at the event by giving out their annual Employee Awards. On average, over half of all donations made to the United Way come directly from the Employee Campaigns though their payroll donations, barbeques, dress-down days and other events. Special thanks was also given to of all of the generous volunteers who took the initiative to help organize, manage and run the employee campaigns within each workplace, as these people are integral to the success of the campaign.
