Provincial Government Kicks off United Way Campaign with a Big Splash

The CEO of Housing Nova Scotia, Dan McDougall, Halifax-Chebucto MLA Joachim Stroink and a team of swimmers are diving into the challenge of completing not one, not two, but three harbour swims today, Sept. 8 in support of the United Way.

The event is kicking off the annual Provincial Government Employees United Way Campaign. This year's goal is to raise $600,000 for the United Way.

"Each year our support gives employees across the province the opportunity to give back to the communities in which we work and live," said Joanne Munro, CEO of Service Nova Scotia and this year's United Way campaign lead. "I am honoured to be part of this initiative which plays such a critical role in supporting and helping so many Nova Scotians."

This year's harbour swim schedule is:

• 7:15 a.m., Killam's Marina, 90 Water St., Yarmouth
• Noon, Bishop's Landing, 1475 Lower Water St., Halifax
• 6 p.m., The Fiddle, 74 Esplanade, Sydney

"United Way is delighted and honoured to cheer on these dedicated swimmers, and the many generous provincial employees, volunteers and donors who are passionate about making a difference," said Sara Napier, president and CEO of United Way Halifax. "This event is creative, ambitious and collaborative. Exactly what we all need to be to improve lives and build strong communities across our province."

Other members of the swim team include:

• Kevin Doran, Communications Nova Scotia
• Nicholas Phillips, Education and Early Childhood Development
• Sue LaPierre, United Way, Halifax
• Troy Bond, Health and Wellness
• Sean Ward, Justice
• Denise Blanchard-Carpentier, Labour and Advanced Education
• Jana Peachey, student
• Anny Christian, student
• Dave Darrow, former senior deputy minister

For more than 60 years the provincial government has supported the United Way. Each year, more than 1,600 provincial employees make donations. Contributions help the United Way fund more than 50 agencies and 100 programs across Nova Scotia, ranging from after school programming, literacy, employment training and family resource delivery.

"This year's kickoff has expanded on our successful annual Halifax Harbour swim to create an event that is truly province-wide," said Mr. Darrow. "We have a great team this year, our biggest yet, and we're excited to take on the challenge of swimming three harbours in support of such a worthy cause."

A live feed of the Halifax Harbour swim is available at www.novascotia.ca/unitedway/