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.

ALYSSA JULIE

METRO CALGARY

September 03, 2009 5:49 a.m.

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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.

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