The United Way of Lloydminster held their AGM on Tuesday afternoon and acknowledged their Partners and Friends, including Gold Donor Husky Energy and employees among others. -Andrea Nicholl Photo


By Andrea NIcholl
United Way has contributed more than ever to the community with a record breaking fundraising campaign and agency allocation for 2009.
The Lloydminster United Way worked together with more than 150 Partners and Friends to exceed last year’s fundraising goal by raising $148,000 and distributing $113,000 to member agencies.
“As you can see, another good year was had,” said board member Brian Staldeker, as he presented the financial report. “We did very, very well.”
Members of the board attributed United Way’s success to its partners, friends and ‘tremendous’ community support. President Sharon Swift says United Way continues to make the community a better place to live by supporting member agencies and maximizing every dollar donated. 
“We need our agencies in our community,” she said from the annual general meeting held this past Tuesday. “We want our member agencies to do what they do best – providing essential services and programs to the community. We want to make as much money as possible so our challenge as a board for this upcoming year is to increase community awareness and increase community participation in payroll deductions.”
The $113,000 distributed to member agencies was the largest allocation done by the Lloydminster United Way. Board member Colleen Fulton says its because of community support and participation in fundraisers such as Valentine’s Day Musical Valentine, the CIBC/United Way Treasure Chest and the Construction Association Golf Tournament that make each year a success.
“The $113,000 we distributed was the largest amount we’ve ever done and a big part of that is the partners who have been working with us year round,” said Fulton.
“It was a job well done on behalf of the community (and) a lot of handwork on behalf of our members and on behalf of our agencies,” said Staldeker.
The United Way supports and funds the voluntary sector and social services in communities across Canada. The organization raises as much money as possible so its member agencies do not have to fundraise independently. The Lloydminster chapter has increased its 2010 fundraising campaign goal to $145,000.