Lakefield Herald Special Report

United Way campaign raises $2,492,878

United Way of Peterborough & District celebrated the 2012 Campaign results last week as supporters gathered at the Ministry of Natural Resources building to recognize the outstanding achievement.

Gratitude and recognition was the theme as volunteers and workplaces were presented with certificates acknowledging their efforts on the campaign trail this year.

But the big news was the 2012 Campaign achievement announcement. The final results were revealed in a poignant video produced by Michael Hurcomb and Adrienne Richard for the launch of the campaign but revised slightly to reflect the celebratory mood of the event.

United Way CEO Jim Russell lit the spark of celebration by announcing the 2012 campaign was the one of the top three biggest campaigns in the 71-year history of the organization, raising $2,492,878 to date.

Throughout the 2012 Campaign, Chair Paul Ayotte was known for motivating volunteers and supporters with inspirational quotes. Ayotte quoted Arthur Ashe: “From what we get, we can make a living. What we give; however, makes a life,” Ayotte quoted.

“That’s what we’re doing here. We’re all helping to make a better life for people that may not have the opportunity to do so.

“It’s been an honour to serve as chair of the 2012 Campaign. Through this experience, I have learned that there are very few charities, if any that address such a broad spectrum of social needs in the City and County of Peterborough, as the United Way” he added.

Despite the celebratory atmosphere, Jim Russell took a moment to reflect with guests. “The work we do together is critical. It builds community, it bolsters spirits, and it brings hope. It creates safety and the promise of a better life, not just for those who are vulnerable, but all of us,” said Russell.

The top five workplace campaigns were recognized with the United Way’s new “Leading The Way” award being presented to those workplace campaigns whose employee and corporate donations together exceed $75,000.

The Top five of 2012 were: GE Canada: #1 workplace campaign with total dollars raised of more than $205,000; PepsiCo Canada: #2 with total dollars raised of more than $104,000; Peterborough Regional Health Centre: #3 which raised more than $101,000; The City of Peterborough: #4 which raised more than $83,000; and the Ministry of Natural Resources/Robinson Place: #5 which raised more than $75,000 this year.

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