Picking up the pace

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United Way's first report session revealed Winnipeggers are almost halfway toward achieving our total fundraising goal of $18.2+ million. (SHERMAN REIMER / UNITED WAY)

Friday we learned the impact Winnipeggers’ enthusiasm and generosity has had on early progress in United Way’s 2009 campaign.

Believe it or not, we’ve already achieved 47% of our total fundraising goal of $18.2+ million! Incredibly, the news comes exactly one year following some of the harshest global economic news in decades.

Despite the uncertainty of the past year, Winnipeggers appear more committed than ever to supporting one another through United Way. (Of course it’s not a total surprise, since we are known as one of the most generous cities in Canada!)

But let’s not count our chickens before they’ve hatched – we still have a long way to go. While many have set an example by committing their support early, it will take all of us working together to ensure our community can remain stable today and emerge stronger tomorrow.

Thanks to everyone who came out to show their support and to the Radisson Hotel Winnipeg Downtown for providing both an excellent lunch and backdrop for the news.

Thanks also to United Way youth volunteers Michael Champagne and Chelsea Herdman for hosting the event and demonstrating the vital role youth play in United Way activities and programs.

Special thanks to our guest speaker, Tito Daodu, for sharing her story and giving us proof that we are making a difference through United Way.

Without youth, there would be no way!

-Jeff