THUNDER BAY – The city with a giant heart was pumping at full force for the United Way this year. Employees at the City of Thunder stepped up and put an added $70k into the fund this year. The employees of the City of Thunder Bay, Superior North EMS, Thunder Bay Public Library (TBPL) and the Thunder Bay District Social Services Administration Board (TBDSSAB) pledged a total of $252,088.57 to the United Way today following the close of the 17th Annual Employee Campaign, and increase of $70,141.36 over last year’s total.
At a special wrap-up celebration held at the Community Auditorium today, City of Thunder Bay fundraising event Co-Chairs presented a cheque for $200,026.02, Norm Gale, Chief of Superior North EMS presented a cheque for $32,870.82, Bill Bradica, Acting CAO for TBDDSAB, presented a cheque for $15,908.73, and Barb Philp, TBPL presented a cheque for $3,283.00 to Joanne Kembel, Executive Director of the United Way.
“I am so proud of the Municipal Division for the results we achieved for the United Way this year, and for what we’ve been able to accomplish over the last 17,” said Carol Busch, Municipal Division Campaign Chair and 2012 United Way of Thunder Bay Campaign Chair. “This was our best year yet. We had a lofty goal, and we blew it out of the water. The generosity of our employees is nothing short of amazing. I’m thrilled to present these funds today and for the positive impact I know it will have for our community.”
“Tbaytel also deserves special thanks for their 17 years of continued corporate sponsorship, which contributes directly to the success of the campaign. Our campaign is really about committed people caring, getting involved and inspiring others for the betterment of the community – I think our results clearly demonstrate that. I sincerely thank my fellow employees and everyone who played a role in this incredible campaign.”
Over the last 17 years, the Municipal Division Employee Campaign has now given $1,878,577.57 to the United Way. Employees contribute through payroll deduction, cash donations, Dress Down Days and special events including a Kick-off Luncheon that attracted over 400 employees, a Spaghetti Dinner & Auction, the “United We Stand” Run, the Mayor’s Mulligan Golf Tournament and new this year, a baseball tournament, Foodie Days, the Change for Change Initiative, a Cookbook, and proceeds donated from Abbamania, along with other departmental initiatives.
The Campaign was organized by more than 200 volunteers with support from many others. Just over 50% of Municipal Division employees contributed to the United Way through payroll deduction or by cash donation.
The Municipal Division Campaign team also wishes to acknowledge the tremendous staff of the United Way for their ongoing support and assistance.
