Astounding. Tremendous. Amazing. Wonderful.
Those were just a few words tossed around yesterday as United Way Calgary announced a $49.6-million achievement for the 2009 campaign, which was more than their both goal of $47 million and the 2008 numbers.
“When we began this campaign, we knew there would be challenges with the economy, but Calgarians really came through like Calgarians do,” campaign co-chair Art Korpach said.
United Way Calgary president Ruth Ramsden-Wood said she was inspired by the way Calgarians stepped up to the challenge.
“This is a wow number. We are all over the moon,” she said, adding the real winners are hundreds of organizations and thousands of Calgarians the agency helps.
Aspen Youth Matters support worker Bobby Narcisse said he has seen 15-year-old Kristen transform from a shy and secluded child into a role model for other youth through funds raised by United Way.
“I would just sit in my room and be a couch potato if it weren’t for this program. It’s helped me to be able to interact with people,” Kristen said, adding she also got involved with swimming and skating in the Special Olympics because of the program.
