Fort McMurray United Way has announced that its 2013 Community Campaign goal is 7.8 million dollars.
Board Chair Andy Carter says deciding the number didn’t come easily.
“What we do is we evaluate past donations, we have a look at what the demand is in the region coming up and also what we realistically think the community can donate.”
Last year it brought in 99% of its $7.5 million goal.
Executive Director Diane Shannon says the charity knows this years number is a stretch but it’s confident.
“We know costs increase and the demand for programs increase and we really know this community can pull together and propel us toward that goal.))
She says the number has to grow, because the community is too.
“This is going to take a tremendous effort, but we know that the need is there, we know we have more agencies looking for funding, we know the programs are needing to expand because we have growth in the community.”
At the kickoff event this morning, Mayor Melissa Blake also proclaimed September 6th United Way Day in Fort McMurray.
Blake also made note that for seven years straight the United Way has given Fort McMurray the title of most giving community in Canada.
The local charity funds more than 70 programs in the region.
The campaign ends November 15th.
September 6th, 2013
