United Way hits $55.7M in 2016 fundraising campaign

Calgary’s hobbled economy didn’t deter thousands from stepping up to boost the United Way.

Monday, United Way of Calgary and Area unveiled the tally from the charity’s 2016 fundraising campaign, which raked in $55.7 million thanks to the support of 984 workplace campaigns, 34,623 individual donors and more than 12,000 volunteers.

Karen Young, president and CEO of the United Way, said she was astonished by the support show in difficult financial times, which topped last year’s total by some $500,000.

“I am humbled by the generosity of our city and appreciative of every single person’s support,” she said.

Funds from the campaign will be invested back into the community through a variety of local programs and partnerships focused on poverty, children and communities.

More than 100 agencies along with some 177,000 Calgarians will benefit from the donated funds.

The campaign was further buoyed by a special one-time gift of $2 million to the United Way’s Tomorrow Fund, a long-term investment fund, from longtime volunteers and supporters Michael and Heather Culbert.

Campaign co-chair for 2016 Mick Dilger, president and CEO of Pembina Pipeline Corporation — who was joined this year by Calgary Herald columnist Deborah Yedlin — said he was awed to see the community rally behind those on the margins.

“To see thousands of people come together for the greater good to bring about change is inspiring. We issued a plea to Calgarians because the need was greater than ever. And Calgarians responded overwhelmingly.”

The co-chairs for the 2017 campaign were also announced at Monday’s event, with Minhas Breweries co-founder and television personality Manjit Minhas joining forces with Rich Kruger, president and CEO of Imperial Oil.