Thursday, November 12, 2009, Ottawa – There are less than three weeks remaining in the 2009 United Way Ottawa community campaign and a little more than 30 per cent of the goal left to achieve. United Way is entering the homestretch on the heels of a successful teleblitz effort — Click. Call. GIVE. — which raised $17,193 today.

“Today’s teleblitz will set the tone for the remaining weeks and will go a long way to infuse the campaign with some much-needed, last-minute energy,” said Jamie McCracken, campaign chair. “We are tracking slightly behind where we want to be, so the dedication from our volunteer callers and the generosity of all our donors have been invaluable.”

The teleblitz ran throughout the day, with volunteers manning the phones to call people in the community who may not have had an opportunity yet to give to the campaign and make a difference in the lives of others. United Way also appealed for people to call in to the pledge hotline or donate online.

“When we get down to crunch time like this, it is critical that our community realizes just how much every donor and every dollar is needed. No matter the size, it makes a difference in the life of someone else,” said McCracken. “In the past, people have always gone the distance to help out United Way and our community. We’re counting on them again now more than ever.”

As of Thursday, November 12, United Way has achieved $21,619,000 or 68.2 per cent. On Wednesday, December 2, United Way will announce how much of the $31.7 million goal it has achieved at a celebration at Shenkman Arts Centre.

Donations can be made by visiting www.unitedwayottawa.ca or calling 613-228-6767.

About United Way Ottawa
United Way Ottawa’s mission is to bring people and resources together to build a strong, healthy, safe, community for all. By bringing people together from all parts of our community to identify, develop and provide solutions to community needs, we promise that the donations we receive go where they are needed most. In 2009, United Way Ottawa made a record community investment to support nearly 200 projects, programs and partnerships in more than 100 community organizations.

For more information on United Way Ottawa, please contact:
Kate Headley, United Way Ottawa
Phone: 613-683-3823 or Cell: 613-294-8128
E-mail: kheadley@unitedwayottawa.ca
Website: www.unitedwayottawa.ca