Luncheon Aims To Inspire Business Leaders To Tackle Poverty In Southeastern NB

Jan. 21, 2009

Business leaders from across the region are invited to a luncheon next week in Moncton to discuss ways they might be able to play a direct role in local poverty reduction.

The United Way of Greater Moncton and Southeastern New Brunswick Region will host the luncheon – entitled Take Action! – from noon to 1:30 p.m. January 28 at the Delta Beauséjour Hotel.

The event will include a presentation by lawyer Gary Lawson, co-chair of Saint John’s Business Community Anti-Poverty Initiative (BCAPI). BCAPI is an organization of business people that works with people living in poverty, community organizations and government to reduce, and ultimately eliminate, the number of people who live in poverty in Greater Saint John. BCAPI focuses on “break the cycle” solutions, using sustainable, comprehensive and holistic approaches.

“Many citizens and families in our region struggle to cope with very limited incomes and access to opportunities to increase those incomes,” says Executive Director Debbie McInnis. “We hope that business leaders in Southeastern New Brunswick will be inspired to launch an initiative similar to Saint John’s that will lead to increased economic opportunities in our region.”

Next week’s luncheon will also feature a presentation by Mario Allain, President of Moncton’s Fundy Drywall, who will give an overview of workplace education initiatives his firm has undertaken to get more workers into the industry – one example of a local effort linked to poverty reduction.

A question and answer period will follow the luncheon. Simultaneous interpretation will be provided at the event. 
Tickets for the luncheon are $20 per person. Tables of 10 can be reserved for $200. To purchase tickets, call the United Way at 858-8600 or email the office by Friday, January 23.

Media Contact: Cathy Donaldson, Communications Coordinator, United Way of Greater Moncton and Southeastern New Brunswick Region, (506) 858-8600, Ext. 64

Founded in 1953, the United Way of Greater Moncton and Southeastern New Brunswick is a local, non-profit charitable organization committed to providing the resources required to meet community needs and build stronger communities. Our vision is to be a community leader in improving the lives of our citizens through leadership, advocacy, collaboration and resource development.