Provincial Government Employees Surpass United Way Fundraising Goal

Provincial government employees in 43 departments and agencies across Nova Scotia surpassed fundraising goals during their annual United Way campaign.

Throughout the province, public servants raised nearly $568,000 to help the United Way deliver programs and services in their communities. The provincial goal was $500,000.

Staff in the Halifax Regional Municipality raised more than $500,000, surpassing their goal of $480,000. Money raised in HRM supports United Way Halifax and helps fund 55 agencies and more than 100 community-based programs.

"The generosity of provincial government staff demonstrates their ongoing commitment to creating healthier, safer and stronger communities," said Laura Lee Langley, deputy minister of Communities, Culture and Heritage and co-chair of this year's campaign.

Co-hosted by Communications Nova Scotia, the departments of Communities, Culture and Heritage, and Energy, this year's campaign theme was Celebrating Communities.

For more than 50 years, provincial government employees have supported the United Way. Participating staff from all levels of the provincial government contribute through a payroll deduction program, fundraising lunches, special events, raffles and auctions organized by volunteers in department offices.

"The provincial government employee campaign made a significant contribution that helped United Way Halifax raise more than $6.1-million," said Catherine Woodman, president and CEO of United Way Halifax. "The enthusiasm and support of government employees is truly inspiring."

The 2013 campaign will be hosted by Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations. For more information about the annual provincial government employee United Way campaign, visit www.novascotia.ca/unitedway.