AS 2007 draws to a close, Scott Sanders is reflecting on his year as chairman of the United Way's board of trustees and looking forward to 2008.
His involvement with the United Way began seven years ago when he joined the organization's technology advisory committee.
Scott Sanders says ordinary people, like him, can make a difference through United Way.
Working in the IT field for as many years as he has, it was a comfortable way to get involved.
"It's like an onion. There are all these different layers to pull away and every time you pull one away you learn something new. It's a fabulous and fascinating organization."
The invitation to chair the board of trustees in 2007 is just one reason he's a strong believer in the United Way.
"What that tells me is that ordinary people, me included, can make a difference through the United Way," Sanders said.
During his year as chairman, he had three key challenges he wanted to tackle.
"I see the United Way as a catalyst; as the organization that can rally the community to bring together initiatives that drive change," he said.
His first goal was to increase awareness about the United Way and what it does.
"The mandate's a lot broader than 'we're here to raise money and turn over cheques,'" Sanders said.
He said the organization does much more in its efforts to improve lives and build community, through initiatives such as the youth relations and aboriginal relations councils.
He also strived to increase capacity building in 2007, as the need for people to volunteer their time, energy, thoughts and ideas is an important part of the organization, as is raising funds.
The third thing he focused on was collective action, as the United Way works with many different organizations, such as the International Institute for Sustainable Development and Volunteer Manitoba.
"There's a host of organizations that the United Way works with, all with slightly different agendas, but focused on making a positive impact in the community."
This year, one thing stands out for him personally about the direction Winnipeg is headed.
As vice-president of central region for Online Business Systems, he said in past years the company has spent thousands of dollars saying thank you to its clients during the holidays with cards and gift baskets.
But after coming across a study that said many Canadians would prefer to receive a gift that helped someone else, the company sent letters to its clients asking if they'd prefer the money they spend each holiday season be sent to the United Way for youth programming.
"The reaction from clients was almost unanimous," Sanders said.
"They said it was a fabulous idea and that we couldn't have picked a better organization," he said.
"It validates that people believe in the United Way and the work it's doing."
In 2008, Sanders has high hopes for the work the Winnipeg Poverty Reduction Council will be doing.
"I believe we have the right people at the table with a mandate and a desire to make a real and meaningful difference."
And the avid golfer also has a fun wish too.
"I'd love to see a new stadium for the Bombers," he said.
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