Economy puts pressure on United Way
Posted Feb 25, 2010 01:42:14 PM.
This article is more than 5 years old.
The United Way of Kitchener-Waterloo is both celebrating and worrying about its ambitious fundraising campaign.
The first year of the $21-million, three-year campaign is up to just over $5-million dollars in pledges so far, says CEO Jan Varner.
Varner says that number inspires both pride and a feeling of “yikes!”
Pride, because it’s an amazing dollar amount to achieve in a year of economic downturn, she says.
And “yikes!” because demand for the programs United Way funds is up roughly 30 per cent, and with the shifting economy, there may not be as much funding in the system as in the past.
Varner adds the $5 million already pledged includes their last Fall workplace campaign, the biggest dose of funding the agency gets each year.
And pledges don’t always turn out to be dollars, she says.
At this morning’s gathering for the United Way KW’s first ever Community Spirit Awards, Varner encouraged a few hundred of the agency’s best donors and supporters to “stretch your efforts.”
Among the many recipients of the Spirit Awards, given to people and groups exemplifying the work of the local United Way, was Drayton Theatre founder, Alex Mustakas.
Donations to the United Way can be made online
The winners of the Community Spirit Awards are:
Agency Engagement Award: Big Brothers Big Sisters Kitchener Waterloo & Area
Arlene Smith Memorial Award: Theron Kramer
United Way Special Events Award: Alex Mustakas
Leadership Giving Award: Region of Waterloo
Corporate Support Award: Christie Digital
Joe Williams Memorial Award: Jeff Daniel – Conestoga Rovers
Campaign Chair Award: Economical Insurance
