Despite a year that saw a large rise in need for local support services, those who could give, did — a lot.
The United Way announced Wednesday its 2015 fundraising campaign raised $55.2 million in the Calgary area.
United Way president and CEO Lucy Miller said 2015 was a difficult year and predicted that 2016 will be much the same — she said people who’ve never needed the services her organization helps support are coming to them now.
The money raised in 2015 will go a long way toward helping meet the increase in demand for local support services, Miller said.
“Calgarians do step up to a challenge . . . they do care so much about the people around them — I’ve never seen anything like it.
“We can make a huge impact in the city with $55.2 million, and we’ll be able to make sure that the network of care is in place.
“We will be very strategic in how we invest in the community, knowing that in times like these that need is great.”
Lucy Miller, president and CEO United Way Calgary and Area announced $55.2 million Calgarians raised during a ceremony in Calgary on Feb. 10.
Miller said few people ever know when they will be the ones in need.
“In times like this people want to help, but also in times like this don’t be afraid to ask for help,” Miller said.
Over the course of the previous year’s campaign, which was a record-breaker, The United Way took in $59.7 million.
Announced Wednesday as co-chairs for 2016’s campaign were the Calgary Herald’s Deborah Yedlin and Pembina Pipelines president and CEO Mick Dilger.
Yedlin and Dilger both echoed Miller — if ever there was a time for those who can give to do so, it’s right now.
“I grew up in a family where it was always emphasized, the importance of leadership within the community and the importance of giving back to the community,” Yedlin said.
“I grew up with that front-of-mind all the time — make a difference for other people (because) it’s not about you.”
“We are going to be OK,” Dilger told the room.
“I think it’s going to boil down to the United Way and their relationship with people that can make a difference or corporations that can make a difference, and getting youth involved,” he told media.
