VANCOUVER, BC--(Marketwired - September 17, 2016) - When we work together, amazing things are possible.
Today 27 teams of 15 people each pulled a 757-200 jet weighing 127,900 pounds down the runway in timed trials. Altogether $40,000 was raised to support children families and seniors in the Lower Mainland at this fundraising tug-of-war hosted by UPS.
Although the plane didn't actually take flight, the event officially kicks off United Way of the Lower Mainland's annual fundraising campaign.
Last year, $32.4 million was raised to help support people in need. United Way invests money in programs and services that:
- Help kids be all they can be by funding, for example, after-school programs. Last year, we helped 140,000 kids get the best start in life.
- Move families from poverty to possibility by funding, for example, community kitchens. Last year, 1.5 million meals and snacks were served to kids, families and seniors thanks to United Way funding.
- Build strong communities by funding, for example, programs for seniors. Last year we helped 64,000 seniors stay connected to their communities.
"When you give to United Way, you are helping people right here in your community where you live, work, learn and play," says Michael McKnight, President & CEO, United Way of the Lower Mainland. "The tremendous energy and passion of our volunteers and generosity of individual donors really shows what's possible when people care for each other and about each other. It's what makes our community strong."
United Way is a charitable organization that helps children, families and seniors in need. We are leaders in our field developing partnerships, tracking progress, and bringing the right people together to initiate change. Across the province, UWLM funds 183 agencies that provide over 290 programs and services. This includes programs in 26 communities in the Lower Mainland, Sunshine coast and Sea to Sky corridor and two provincial programs that we manage: the early childhood program Success by 6, and the seniors program Better at Home. Last year, we helped 340,000 people in the Lower Mainland. For more information, visit www.uwlm.ca
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Contact Information:
Media contact:
Jennifer Young, United Way of the Lower Mainland
cell 604-309-3937, jennifery@uwlm.ca
