Government Employees Kick Off Annual Fundraiser with Harbour Swims

Provincial government employees are giving back to their communities and making a splash as they kick off their annual workplace fundraising campaign for United Way with six harbour swims.

Taking place today, Sept. 5, and Thursday Sept. 6, dozens of swimmers will cross Sydney, Pictou, Halifax, Mahone Bay and Yarmouth harbours and St. Peters canal. More than 60 swimmers will participate in the Halifax Harbour swim including employees from Halifax Regional Municipality and Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency.

“The provincial harbour swim has become a wonderful tradition to kick off our annual workplace giving campaign,” said Julie Towers, deputy minister, Lands and Forestry and this year’s campaign co-lead. “This event continues to grow each year and I’m excited to also see participants from municipal and federal government coming out and supporting a worthy cause.”

This year's goal is to raise over $500,000 for United Way organizations across Nova Scotia.

Money raised will help United Way provide stable funding to more than 50 agencies and 100 programs, including after school programming, literacy, employment training and family resource delivery. Funds will stay in the communities from which they’re raised.

“We’re so grateful to the public servants who organize this event and the ongoing support we receive in our workplace campaigns each year.” said Sara Napier, president and CEO of United Way Halifax. “Donations to United Way are true expressions of local love – supporting local priorities and fighting poverty so our communities are as vibrant as they can possibly be – for everyone.”

The provincial government has supported United Way for more than 60 years. The 2018 campaign wraps up Nov. 22.