The local United Way’s fall campaign raised a record-breaking amount of more than $1 million to support 22 organizations in Brandon, the organization said Thursday.
Campaign co-chairs Tim Black and Shelly Thompson made the funding announcement joined by community donors at the Ukrainian Reading Association Hall in Brandon.
The co-chairs, who double as Q Country morning radio hosts, originally set a fundraising target of $800,000 and were “pleasantly surprised” when they reached the final total of $1,083,990.50, Black said.
Shelly Thompson, co-chair of the United Way West Central Manitoba fall campaign, celebrates Thursday with United Way staff and supporters during the announcement of the largest fundraising total in the organization’s history at the Ukrainian Reading Association Hall in Brandon. (Photos by Tim Smith/The Brandon Sun)
“It was beyond our wildest dreams to surpass it from the level it did, but we’re so glad it did,” Thompson said.
“We’re grateful for the support,” Black said, adding that it was “heartwarming and astounding” to have the community rally behind the campaign at a time when people are cutting back on their expenses to save money.
The co-chairs wanted to surpass the record-setting amount made by 2024 campaign chair Barry Cooper, who helped raise more than $752,000, Black said.
At Thursday’s event, 11 people in the audience made the “big reveal” when they were called on stage to display the total printed on their T-shirts, receiving a standing ovation. The figure was also shown on a TV screen while music played in the background.
When Black and Thompson found out they had hit the million-dollar mark about two weeks ago, they struggled to keep their excitement hushed until the announcement, he said.
Nearly $50,000 was fundraised through a Christmas tree auction held in December, which the co-chairs were able to promote through a radiothon, Black said.
Thompson said they were able to break new ground this year by forming partnerships with community members who had never donated to the United Way before.
“Tim and I introduced them to this campaign, and some of them have signed a framework, a proposal that will continue to give, not just this year, but in the years to come.”
J&G Homes is among the businesses that have committed to making a long-term contribution, Thompson said. In February, the construction company donated about $5,000, which pushed them closer to reaching their goal.
Cynamon Mychasiw, president and CEO of United Way West Central Manitoba, speaks during Thursday’s announcement of the record-breaking fundraising total from the organization’s fall campaign.
Speaking about the “Be the One” campaign on the radio also brought awareness to Westman that the United Way was in “great need” of donations, she said.
The United Way’s spring garage sale marks the first fundraising event of the new year, but the campaign officially starts in September, with 95 per cent of the money raised between then and February, United Way West Central Manitoba CEO Cynamon Mychasiw told the Sun.
She said more than 3,000 donors made this year a success, including businesses, organizations and people chipping in a few dollars when they could.
“The people that are paying three dollars to come to a garage sale or buying tickets for things like today — that money all adds up,” Mychasiw said.
“So, it’s not necessarily a large donation — it’s participation in so many different ways that makes the difference.”
The organizations receiving the funds submitted applications that were reviewed by a community impact committee and have since signed contracts to start using the grant money.
“It’s a really difficult decision to make because there’s always more need than there are funds, so it’s a tough one, but I don’t think they turned any down this year in the final process,” Mychasiw said.
“They may not have been able to fund them in full, but pretty close, and that’s because of what everyone’s done this fall.”
The selected organizations provide community support for children and youth and in areas such as mental health, food security and other services in the social sector, she said.
Brandon Mayor Jeff Fawcett has a photo taken with United Way fall campaign co-chairs Shelly Thompson and Tim Black during the announcement at the Ukrainian Reading Association Hall in Brandon on Thursday.
Kevin Bailey, a past United Way board vice-chair, said it’s refreshing to see people from various social backgrounds come together to help their community.
“As human beings, when we give, we feel good. It helps our soul,” he said.
Bailey said the United Way is getting its name and story out better than it has in the past.
“These two folks, Tim and Shelly, are too humble. They’ve definitely opened up some doors for us,” he said, adding that the CEO also deserves a lot of credit for her continued hard work.
The co-chairs said it was an honour to have the campaign torch passed onto them from Cooper and now they are ready to pass it along to the next chair or co-chairs willing to take on the role this fall.
» tadamski@brandonsun.com
Thank you Westman for #BeTheOne
We are humbled, thank you!
Shelly and Tim
