The Thompson Nicola Cariboo United Way (TNCUW) has cause to be proud of the communities within its district, as they raised $2 million in the last campaign.
"TNCUW is the only United Way in British Columbia to recognize an increase in their community campaign in 2011," says United Way resource development director Melodie Grabner. “We raised over $2 million, a record."
The TNCUW’s area is huge, covering north from McLeese Lake to Chase, Blue River to Merritt and on to Lillooet. It may be a huge area in size but not in population, Grabner says, adding it came in third in fundraising behind the Lower Mainland and Victoria.
"Those are large population centres, but I'm impressed we beat out Kelowna."
Grabner notes 65 per cent of contributions come in the form of payroll deductions from worksites, such as banks, mills and small business, with the remainder coming from corporations and individuals.
There were 3,500 donors of whom 354 were new donors, Grabner says, adding more than 1,000 are leadership donors giving gifts and pledges of $500 and up.
"This speaks to the generosity of the people who live and work in our area. Thank you to everyone who contributed."