Provincial Government Employees Kick Off United Way Campaign

Provincial government employees kicked off their annual United Way campaign today, Oct. 5, with the goal of raising $475,000.

The event was held at the Halifax Seaport Farmers' Market.

Premier Darrell Dexter and Labour and Advanced Education Minister Marilyn More, with Capt. Brian Santarpia, co-chair of the United Way campaign, and Don Bureaux, NSCC president, joined hundreds of public servants to celebrate the start of this year's campaign.

"Programs supported by the United Way touch the lives of many of our most vulnerable and most in need," said Premier Dexter. "The support shown at the kickoff, and through the rest of this campaign, demonstrates that public service employees are truly committed to helping build better communities."

The Department of Labour and Advanced Education is this year's campaign host.

"The province has a strong tradition of coming together to support the United Way campaign," said Ms. More. "Last year was a big success and we surpassed our goal. I know we can bring the same enthusiasm to this year's campaign."

The kickoff featured various booths with information on life-long learning, workplace safety, immigration, the voluntary sector and community organizations.

Funds will be raised through department events, prize draws and payroll deductions and will help support local community-based agencies and programs through the United Way.

The provincial government campaign runs until December.

For more information about the provincial government's United Way campaign, visit www.gov.ns.ca/unitedway .