United kick off

Agency lowers expectations for its annual fundraiser

robin kuniski/for metro calgary

1,000 United Way supporters kick off the 2009 campaign down 3rd Street SW.

Published: September 03, 2009 5:49 a.m.

Last modified: September 03, 2009 12:53 a.m.

Be the first to comment

Print article

Text size

The United Way kicked off its fundraising campaign yesterday, but a rocky economic outlook has forced the philanthropic juggernaut to pare back its annual goal.

This year, according to spokesperson Arthur Korpach, the United Way hopes to raise $47 million — down from the $49.5 million they raised last year, but still a significant target for organizations like the Distress Centre of Calgary and the YMCA.

“We obviously have a very challenging environment and we’ve factored that into this year’s goal,” says Korpach, explaining this year’s modest ambitions.

Distress Centre of Calgary employees Michelle Wickerson and Angela Unsworth celebrated the season’s final days decked out in garlands of summer flowers, while looking forward to a promising year ahead.

Joining a boisterous kazoo-tootin’, pom-pom flailing crowd, they marched ahead cheering for the United Way, hoping to raise awareness of organizations like their own.

“We want to show the spirit of philanthropy in this city and encourage people to give,” explained Wickerson, 29.

The money raised this year will be divvied up amongst the United Way’s many partner agencies.

more local stories

Dozens of child porn charges laid against former Calgary courts security guard

Calgary police believe social media was used to exploit the accused's relationship with the alleged victims.

Abbotsford gears up for lingerie football

The outlandish Lingerie Football League (LFL) has announced Abbotsford as its second Canadian franchise in the league’s pursuit of ratings and legitimacy outside the U.S.

Learning gets boost, but not top marks

While a welcome change to 2011’s cuts, Alberta’s budget delivered on Thursday is not earning top marks with stakeholders in education.

Add your comment

Comments are not reviewed before posting. If you believe a comment has violated the commenting guidelines, please alert a moderator using links provided.