The Fort McMurray United Way is projecting a $1.5 million shortfall of this year’s Community Campaign.
They are expecting a $5.6 million finish by the end of the year.
At the beginning of September Community Campaign Chair, Steve Yataruo, announced their goal this year would be $7.1 million to support their 31 partner agencies.
“When we set our community need goal in the summer, we looked at what we felt the needs of the community were. Which quite simply are our 31 agencies and the amount of programs they need funding for from the United Way to continue to support,” said Yataruo.
“That was the only acceptable goal that we could set.”
Yataruo said there is no one factor hindering them from meeting their goal, but noted the wildfire and the struggling economy.
“We knew this wasn’t going to be easy going in, it never is. I think when you reflect why we have these campaigns, it is all about meeting the greatest need in our community and with that is a challenge,” said Yataruo.
With the expected gap, the United Way is asking for your help.
They have launched a ‘Give what you can challenge’.
The challenge is three steps:
- Accept the challenge and give what you can.
- Challenge three friends to do the same
- Share it on social media in the most creative way that you can
Steve Yatauro announced that a $1.5 million need gap is being projected for the campaign. Give what you can challenge launched. #ymm pic.twitter.com/Dfa9qTi45t
— FMWB United Way (@FMWBUnitedWay) November 2, 2017
“We know that everyone’s individuals circumstance is different, taking a give what you can approach will make it possible for a lot more people to get involved and help,” said Yataruo.
As of Thursday, the campaign is sitting at $3.6 million or 61 per cent of their goal.
You can donate directly to the campaign online.
