The Neepawa & District United Way kicks off its 2012 campaign on Monday Sept. 17. This much needed annual fundraising campaign will run until Dec. 31.

Many of you are very familiar with the United Way, having donated in the past, volunteered your time, or know of family, friends or neighbours who have benefitted from the services provided by the United Way.

Our fundraising goal for 2012 will be $40,000. Your local United Way supported 10 member agencies in 2011.

$38,700.00 was distributed to the following local organizations: Neepawa Handi-Van, Touchwood Park, CNIB, Child and Family Services, the Arthritis Society, the YWCA, Neepawa Palliative Care, the Red Cross, the Canadian Diabetes Foundation and the Kidney Foundation.

Applications for funding are available by contacting Val Grant at unitedwayneepawa@mymts.net. Applications are due every year on Dec. 31 and distribution of funds takes place in April.

Instead of a knock at your door (money is no longer raised through door-to-door canvassing) please mail-in your support to: Box 1545, Neepawa, MB R0J 1H0, visit the website for online donations at www.neepawaunitedway.org or drop off your donation at any of the Neepawa Banks: RBC, BMO, CIBC or Beautiful Plains Credit Union.

Every community has its struggles and The Neepawa & District United Way is working to provide help with funding for much needed services.
Some of its member agencies could not operate in our community without the help of the United Way. "Together we care and together we can build a better place to live."
Be assured that every dollar raised is allocated. 100 per cent of your donation goes directly to "our" community. Neepawa United Way's operating costs are covered by a provincial grant.
Along with our annual fundraising efforts, the Neepawa & District United Way also distributes gently used coats, hats, mitts, scarves and boots to families in need of warm winter wear.
Last year we gave away over 100 coats on our "Koats for Kids" distribution day. Despite the name, this program offers coats for people of all ages.
This year our distribution date will be Wednesday, Oct. 24 at the Neepawa Library from 5 – 7 pm. If you have a donation for Koats for Kids, you may drop off any clean, gently used winter articles at the Neepawa Resource Centre up to Oct. 23.
We are always looking for new faces and new ideas to help the Board of Directors carry out this annual campaign – if you have a couple of hours a month (eight months of the year) and would like to get involved with the United Way, please contact Val Grant at unitedwayneepawa@mymts.net.
The Neepawa & District United Way wants to thank everyone who supports our very worthy cause.