United Way/Centraide Ottawa announced yesterday that it had raised more than $29.8 million during its 2007 community campaign — a new record for the organization.
Members of the board of directors — who announced the final, audited tally at its annual general meeting yesterday — elicited applause and cheers from attendees after announcing that donations that rolled in following the close of last year’s campaign had allowed it to exceed its ambitious $29.7 million goal, even if by just $140,157.
“We achieved great success in 2007 and that is a testament to the enthusiasm and generosity of our staff, volunteers and donors,” said United Way/Centraide Ottawa president and CEO Michael Allen. “Wayne Wouters demonstrated stellar leadership during the campaign.”
The 2007 campaign chair, Wouters said that while last year went well, 2008 would have to be just as successful.
“The need in the city continues to grow,” he said. “It just gets bigger and better, but the needs are also getting bigger.”
In 2007, United Way/Centraide Ottawa supported a record 184 projects, programs and partnerships in 99 community organizations.
“People have to step up and dig a little deeper,” Wouters said. “We all want to make the world a better place to live.”
The capital’s United Way campaign is one of Canada’s leaders, said United Way Canada president Al Hatton. “A number of United Ways across the country are following your lead. And we’re impressed by the way you’re drawing new partners,” he said.
The campaign attracted 57 new major donors last year.
The 2008 campaign begins in September and will be headed by campaign chairman Bell Enterprise Group senior vice-president, Sal Iacono.
-tracey.tong@metronews.ca
