Alastair Conway was like most people in Pictou County and didn’t realize the full impact of the Pictou County United Way until he got personally involved.
Now serving as campaign chair, Conway said he’s come to learn that one in four people in the community will be touched by some form of United Way supported service.
"It affects the community in a big way,” he said.
But with just two weeks until the end of the fiscal year and their campaign fundraising season, the United Way is 12 per cent short of its goal of raising $315,000 and they’re turning to the community in hopes of closing the gap.
As an incentive, Conway said, they’ve had someone come forward and offer $3,000 in travel vouchers from Travel Our Way which will be presented to someone who has made a new donation to the United Way during the period leading into April 1. For every $100 donated, the person or business will have their name entered once. The hope is that 100 people or businesses will take part.
“We’re in a situation that we need the community’s help," Conway said. “We really hope that people will rally behind us.”
Ellen Fanning, resource development coordinator with the United Way, said that the vouchers can be used for everything from plane tickets to going on a cruise and the winner will be able to choose their destination. It is not redeemable for cash.
Each year the United Way helps more than 15 organizations and also offers an avenue for people in the communicate to charities of their choosing by designating for a non-profit.
“Some of those organizations wouldn’t exist if it wasn’t for United Way funding, so it’s really important for us to try to reach goals so we can give as much money back to the community as possible,” she said.
Donations can be made by visiting the office at 342 Stewart Street in New Glasgow or online at www.pictoucountyunitedway.com. For more information call (902) 755-1754. The draw will take place on April 2.
