Volume 10, Issue 37, Week of September 16, 2013
Saskatoonʼs REAL Community Newspaper
Dustin Strongarm led the Walking Parade of an estimated 350 United Way supporters. Following close behind are (left to right): Myra Potter (United Way director of resource development, Sheri Benson (United Way CEO) and Jo Custead (Chair of United Way board of directors (Photo by Sandy Hutchinson)
United Way launches 2013 drive to raise $6.5 million
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Tammy Robert Saskatoon Express
ast week United Way of Saskatoon and Area officially launched its 2013 Community Campaign. The big announcement was their fundraising goal of $6.5 million. Thursday’s campaign kicked off with an energetic morning parade of nearly 350 sponsors and supporters. This was followed by breakfast with the mayor at the Radisson hotel. The focus was on the United Way’s motto: Change starts here. The breakfast and program were sponsored by UFCW Provincial Council, with entertainment provided by enthusiastic emcee Jeff Rogstad from CTV Saskatoon. The packed room witnessed the unveiling of a new United Way website and heard comments from Saskatoon Mayor Don Atchison. “Yes we can. Yes we will,” said Atchison. “We will make things better in the lives of everyone living in the
community of Saskatoon. That’s why we’re known as the City of Bridges. And not just the bridges you and I drive over every day, but the bridges that bring us together to work together as one.” United Way Chief Executive Officer Sheri Benson took the stage to thank all of the businesses, individuals and community organizations that support the Community Campaign. Many in the breakfast crowd were still in their tutus, glittery face masks and other costume regalia donned for the Walking Parade. “Change starts with one person, one
group, one business, one community. By working together we can change lives, build each other up,” said Benson. “Together we can impact change, here and now.” Following her address, Benson introduced a short promotional video, available for viewing on the United Way’s website under the tab Success Stories. The video told the important story of a local man named David whose life has been directly impacted by United Way of Saskatoon and Area initiatives. He shared with the camera a snippet of
his everyday life, and the difference having a space of his own — to wash, cook and watch a TV — has made on his life. “It’s so relaxing,” he said about having a home, as he donned a clean black “Staff” T-shirt to wear to work. The United Way focuses its work and investments on three areas: moving people from poverty to possibility; building healthy people and strong communities; helping kids be all they can be.
United Way of Saskatoon and Area CEO Sheri Benson will write a column for the Express throughout the campaign. Her first column is on Page 18.