2009 Campaign Achievement

 

 

 

 

United Way of Burlington & Greater Hamilton Celebrates
2009 Campaign Result

 

$6,946,000 Million Raised
as ArcelorMittal Dofasco Steps Forward To Ensure Campaign Achievement

February 4, 2009 – Hamilton -- United Way of Burlington & Greater Hamilton announced today that it has raised $6,946,000 for its 2009 Campaign, with $2,083,000 raised in Burlington, and $4,863,000 raised in Hamilton. The announcement was made this evening at an achievement celebration at Carmen’s Banquet Centre. More than 300 people, including friends, supporters and staff were in attendance for the event, gathering to celebrate and thank donors for their generous contributions.

“During the last few days it was evident that, despite extraordinary efforts by our donors and volunteers, the difficult economic circumstances which have such an impact in both our communities would ensure that we did not reach our target. Knowing that this might happen, ArcelorMittal Dofasco stepped forward and offered to close the gap, thereby ensuring tonight’s announcement that we had indeed reached our campaign goal. This generous donation, coupled with the outstanding contributions of so many has touched all of us,” said, Campaign Chairs Gaston Germain, Chair, Burlington and President and COO, Pelmorex Media Inc. -- The Weather Network and Anne Bermingham, Chair, Hamilton and President, 2WA Consulting Inc.

“We gather tonight to celebrate the fact that our communities have come together -- during what has been a difficult year for so many -- in an extraordinary way. The generosity of our donors and the assistance of the entire community have been extremely gratifying,” both added.

“Our communities, our donors worked tirelessly with many campaigns increasing their original commitments in an overall effort to achieve our goal. This confirms what we already know, that those who could do so, gave, and in many cases, exceed their original commitments. To our donors, our volunteers and to the numerous organizations who gave of their time, talents and donations we, and our partner agencies are enormously grateful. To ArcelorMittal Dofasco, and their employees, we send our heartfelt thanks for their tremendous leadership and for their commitment to improving the lives of those who rely on the services of United Way throughout the year,” added United Way of Burlington & Greater Hamilton CEO Len Lifchus.

Both Campaign Chairs also noted that the recent earthquake in Haiti had an impact on the final weeks of the campaign: “In the wake of the earthquake tragedy in Haiti, we knew that our communities would respond to the compelling needs, in light of this devastating event. Ours communities, our donors are exceedingly generous. Knowing this, we chose not to make it an either/or decision. Instead, world events have caused us to reflect on our own lives, on the opportunities we have, on the responsibilities we share, and our capacity to respond to these tragic events.”