Wednesday, September 23, 2009, Ottawa – Early this morning, at a breakfast event with more than 1,200 supporters, volunteers, donors and staff, United Way Ottawa announced its goal for the 2009 Community Campaign - $31.7 million.

“The United Way Ottawa community campaign is the perfect opportunity to be part of something bigger than all of us — and that’s why I’m here today,” said Jamie McCracken, Director of Education, Ottawa Catholic School Board and 2009 Campaign Chair.

This year’s campaign theme is Rediscover Community. United Way is asking people to look at their community in a new light, to contemplate their own aspirations for the community, and to consider United Way as their way to achieve those aspirations.

“We’re living a tale of two cities in Ottawa,” said McCracken. “There’s a city where people have few worries, enough security and are generally blessed. But there’s the other city where kids go to school hungry, where immigrants cannot find their way in this new country, where people with disabilities constantly face barriers, where seniors live in isolation.”

The 2009 goal represents a modest increase of two per cent over last year’s achievement of $31.09 million. Joan Highet, Vice-President, Campaigns at United Way explained that this year’s goal is a delicate balance. “We understand people’s capacity to give may be somewhat limited this year, but we also know that their desire to help is unwavering. And now more than ever, United Way and our community need them.”

“We can lose sight of just how many people in our community face challenges every day,” said McCracken. “I invite people to rediscover their community, the good that is out there, the energy we can harness and the potential we can realize together. United Way is not called United Way for nothing.”

To help achieve this year’s goal, more than 1,800 workplaces in Ottawa will run United Way campaigns with the help of about 14,000 volunteers. Included in this number are the campaigns and fundraising blitzes organized by the 109 federal government departments and agencies in the National Capital Region through the Government of Canada Workplace Charitable Campaign (GCWCC). While payroll deduction is still a significant source of workplace fundraising for United Way, many private-sector companies and government departments also hold special fundraising events such as breakfasts and barbecues or gift and craft sales. Campaign time also brings out the competitive spirits of workplaces with feats of strength, talent competitions and all kinds of races.
United Way’s 10-week long campaign wraps up on Wednesday, December 2, 2009 with a celebration at the Shenkman Arts Centre.

As part of the campaign, United Way will this year host Community Action Days to offer workplace and government employees a chance to volunteer their time, skills and efforts to help community organizations across the city. Formerly known as Day of Caring, Community Action Days will take place four times throughout the campaign: September 30, October 27, November 19 and December 9. As well, United Way’s Next Gen Cabinet will host Schmoozefest on Wednesday, October 21, a networking event for young professionals at Lago Bar|Grill|View.  

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