United Way Announces Campaign Goal Of $2,075,000

Sep. 04, 2008

During a luncheon today at the Delta Beauséjour Hotel, the United Way of Greater Moncton and Southeastern New Brunswick launched its 2008 fundraising campaign, unveiling its largest goal to date – $2,075,000.

2008 Campaign Chair Norval McConnell, Education Supervisor for School District 2, told the crowd of about 500 that this is a crucial year for donations to the organization, which helps those most in need in our community by providing funding to 20 local non-profit agencies as well as financial and non-financial assistance to many other community groups.

“These are challenging times,” McConnell said. “We’re all been affected by issues like rising fuel and food costs – but none more so than those who have little. That’s why it will be even more critical this year for our United Way to help our non-profit agencies assist those in the community who are struggling to stay warm and healthy.”

McConnell emphasized that donations made to the local United Way, founded in 1953, stay in the community and directly impact those in need. He noted that one in three residents of southeastern New Brunswick will use a United Way service in their lifetime.

“I urge each and every one of you to help the United Way support our region’s most vulnerable – children, families, seniors and other individuals who are struggling to cope with day-to-day life,” he said. “Everyone’s potential can be realized and with your help, we can make that happen.” Several major corporations and their employees have already kicked off the 2008 campaign by committing more than $280,000 toward the fundraising goal. Last year, the United Way of Greater Moncton and Southeastern New Brunswick Region raised $2.06 million for community-based agencies. Today’s campaign launch opened with a welcome by a group of Elsipogtog drummers followed by members of the audience reciting lines from a new “community anthem” recently adopted by the local United Way.

During the launch, United Way board chair Marc Doucette referred to the anthem as he explained that while fundraising continues to be vital to the organization, there has been a move to focus on community impact, creating long-term, sustainable change by addressing the root causes of social issues.

“We feel that the best way to improve the lives of the most vulnerable in our community is to approach an issue at its source,” Doucette said. “We’re doing that by working with our community partners to build collaborations around local community agendas and increase the capacity for social change through the sharing of resources.”

Doucette noted that the United Way is involved in many local initiatives aimed at dealing with issues such as poverty, food security, homelessness and the need to strengthen the non-profit community.

Today’s event also featured the presentation of two awards, including the 2008 Evelyn McKie Community Builder Award, given to Irina Raduly, a Settlement Counsellor with the Multicultural Association of Greater Moncton (MAGMA), for her outstanding contribution to the community.

Representatives from the United Way also unveiled a new award today – the Kim Halliday Asset Builder Award, named in honour of former United Way Executive Director and community advocate Kim Halliday, who passed away in 2007. This award celebrates individuals who make a positive difference in the lives of young people, to promote healthy children, youth and communities. It recognizes one adult and one youth recipient who inspire, build and change in different ways.

In the adult category, Carole Murphy, Community Schools Coordinator for District 2, received the award for her work with organizations including Big Brothers Big Sisters, Vitality Moncton, YMCA and the United Way’s Youth First Committee.

In the youth category, Université de Moncton student Sylvain Bérubé, vice-president of la Fédération des Jeunes Francophones du Nouveau-Brunswick, accepted the award for his involvement with organizations such as the International Baccalaureate (IB) and as a volunteer with various athletic groups and theatre.

Again this year, the Delta Beauséjour staff volunteered their time at today’s kick-off luncheon, while Costco Wholesale donated all food for the meal.

For more information, contact Cathy Donaldson, Communications Coordinator, United Way of Greater Moncton and Southeastern New Brunswick Region, 858-8600, Ext. 64.