The Pembina Valley United Way (PV United Way) kicked off its annual fundraising campaign on Thursday, setting its biggest target to date.
Board President Levi Taylor says each year applications far exceed the funding they have available to give to non-profits. Therefore, he says this year they're aiming to raise $150,000.
"We're always looking to contribute more to the community and we can't do it without generous donations, so we've committed to approaching different businesses and holding different fundraising events to ensure that people are aware of the United Way Pembina Valley and aware of the different not for profits that we give back to."
In 2022 PV United Way was able to disburse $110,000 in grant funding to 19 local non-profit agencies.
Taylor says the Pembina Valley United Way has generous donors, and notes whenever they hold events, they're very popular.
"I think people like the idea that 100 % of their donations are being reinvested into the community," said Taylor. "They're (donations) going to programs that people are aware of and familiar with, and that people see their neighbours going to and benefitting from."
The 2023 fundraising campaign was launched at 500 Stephen Community Centre in Morden on Thursday afternoon. The centre was one of the 19 local non-profits that received grant funding from the PV United Way in 2022.
Executive Director Jenna Warkentine says it was an honour to host the launch event.
"It's nice to have that partnership because they have supported us. So it's nice to give back to them as well," said Warkentine "A lot of us non-profits we do tit-for-tat. If you give us something, we're going to help you back."
Donations to the campaign can be made in person at the Access Credit Union branches in Winkler or Morden.
Online donations can be made at unitedwaypembinavalley.ca. Cheques can be mailed to United Way, PO Box 758, Morden, MB, R6M 1A7.
Businesses can also get in touch with the United Way to discuss making it easier for their employees to give through their payroll deduction program.
The PV United Way can be reached at unitedwaypembinavalley@gmail.com
Applications for United Way funding will be available soon at unitedwaypembinavalley.ca. The deadline to apply is Dec. 15, 2023.