Blitz of Strathmore campaign has begun

Shannon LeClair

Times Reporter

 

The United Way Strathmore is in the middle of a corporate fundraising blitz campaign.  Members of the United Way are going from business to business in town to distribute information about who they are, what they have to offer and how each business can participate in fundraising efforts. 

“It will be continuing on during the month of November, and (we’re) trying to get to everyone,” said Les Groeller, chair for the campaign. 

They are looking to run for a six to eight week span, but will still take donations at any time throughout the year. The reason the campaign started in November is because they are trying to run it at the same time as the Calgary workplace campaign. 

“It doesn’t have to be limited, if a business feels that they cant do it now but they can do something in the spring we would absolutely welcome that,” said Cecilia Moore, chair of the United Way area partnership.  

A renewed partnership between the United Way and Strathmore was formed earlier this year and $37,000 was distributed to organizations in the area. One of the biggest things the United Way can promise its supporters is the fact that 100 per cent of the funds raised in the community stay in the community. 

“It’s not only about accepting cheques from the businesses, it’s about getting the employees involved to create a culture of giving, of the community giving back to community both from the business perspective and from the employees perspective,” said Groeller.   

Some of the ways a business can help is by hosting an employee workplace campaign, which allows employees to actively work on making an impact. Every donation made to the United Way is tax deductable, and .89 cents of every dollar goes back into the local organization for disbursement within the community. 

“We didn’t set any concrete goals, any money we raise is going to be a bonus over and above the donation that we get annually from the Calgary campaign,” said Moore.  

There are many ways a company can help with fundraising efforts. 

They could hold a potluck luncheon, have a casino lunch, silent auctions or employees could consider payroll deductions. There are a number of ways that everyone could help out. 

Groeller said the Strathmore branch would also like to reach more of the home businesses. He said if anyone is running a home company and would like to participate contact Cecilia Moore at 403-934-9549.