The United Way Northwest Alberta has set a goal of raising $1.4 million for its community partners and programs this year, and hopes to raise $100,000 of that this week alone. October 24th to the 30th is United Way Week, and businesses across the region have specials on that will funnel back to the campaign.
They’re committing the proceeds from specials like fitness classes and food sales towards thei$16r programs. There’s even a challenge between real estate agents to raise at least $500. Executive Director Brenda Yamkowy says this week is about getting as many people involved as possible.
“It allows everybody to have a chance to contribute to that goal, so if you’re not necessarily tied to a workplace that does United Way campaigns or anything else, it allows the general public to be able to contribute small amounts at different places in the community.”
Yamkowy adds that it also promotes the businesses that support them year round. One of those is the RBC Foundation, who presented a $16,000 cheque Monday morning.
There are 29 community partners and 30 programs that the United Way Northwest Alberta benefits. Yamkowy says they continue to see an increased need for help.
“We’re seeing that many of our community partners are also providing more and more services now that the economy has been down, so it has a ripple effect in our community. What we’re looking at doing is trying to bring that awareness that we really are looking at small ways that people can take part.”
A full list of businesses taking part is below:
ATB Northside
Beaverlodge TGP
Bliss
Bombshell
Burger Heaven
New Horizon Co-op
Crimson Lilly Boutique
D&M Bakery
Eastside Liquor
Egans McSwiggans
Faithful Fitness
Fashionista
GP Coffee Co.
Grower Direct
IGA North & South
Image Design
Just Beachy
Lynn’s Alterations
Mephis Blues BBQ
Motley Q
Petals on Main
Pink Rain
Pita Pit
RBC Foundation
Rocky Mountain Chocolate
Rona
South 40 Dental
Starbucks
Swan City Rotary
Tony Roma’s
