United Way Launches Fall Campaign with $800,000 Target

United Way Brandon & District has officially launched its 2025 fall campaign, setting an ambitious fundraising target of $800,000. Under the theme #BeTheOne, the initiative aims to mobilize community support to address pressing local needs. The campaign kicked off this month and is co-chaired by radio hosts Shelly Thompson and Tim Black from Q Country, who bring a blend of professional expertise and personal commitment to the cause.

The decision to appoint two co-chairs rather than a single leader reflects a strategic approach to enhance outreach and engagement. According to Cynamon Mychasiw, the chief executive officer of United Way Brandon, both Thompson and Black have demonstrated a deep understanding of the organization’s mission. “They are amazing representatives of United Way and truly appreciate the work that we do,” Mychasiw stated.

For Thompson, this role holds special significance. Since moving to Brandon from Toronto in 2018 with her son, who has special needs, she has experienced firsthand the impact of the United Way’s support. She recalled, “We really came here with nothing but the clothes on our backs. That job put food in our fridge and a roof over our heads. It gave us dignity. It gave us a fresh start.” Her involvement in this campaign is a way to give back to the organization that helped her family.

The 2025 campaign follows a record-setting effort led by Barry Cooper, a respected community leader, who raised over $752,000 in 2024. Thompson acknowledged the challenge ahead, stating, “Barry left us with huge shoes to fill.” Both co-chairs expressed their commitment to continue fostering the spirit of community collaboration that Cooper exemplified.

The campaign will feature many of the beloved events that Brandon residents look forward to, including Brandon’s Largest Garage Sale, a Spaghetti Dinner, and the Holiday Tree Auction, which marks its 30th anniversary this year. While new events are still under discussion, Black hinted at exciting initiatives to enhance community participation.

Both Thompson and Black are acutely aware of the challenges posed by the current economic landscape, particularly rising costs of living. “We know food insecurity and housing insecurity are real issues in Westman right now,” Thompson remarked. She emphasized that the campaign’s goal is to ensure that the United Way has the resources necessary to support families facing difficult choices regarding rent, healthcare, and food.

Black noted that inflation has significantly impacted grocery prices, which have increased by more than 25 percent in recent years. “Charities like the United Way need more resources to meet those needs,” he explained. They are encouraging both individual and business donors to consider increasing their contributions, perhaps by 20 percent, to help reach the campaign goal.

Importantly, both co-chairs want to highlight that every dollar raised will remain within the community, directly benefiting local programs and families. “Every donation supports local programs and local families directly,” Black affirmed.

While the $800,000 goal stands as a vital target, both co-chairs stress that success is not solely measured in dollars. “Maybe it’s $1, maybe it’s a bake sale at your office, maybe it’s volunteering a few hours,” Thompson said, emphasizing that every contribution counts. Black echoed this sentiment, sharing his family’s long-standing support of United Way campaigns and their positive impact in the community.

As the campaign progresses, both Thompson and Black envision a lasting legacy beyond the immediate fundraising goal. Although they do not expect to lead the campaign again next year, their dedication to United Way will continue. Thompson expressed her commitment to potentially serving on the board in the future, while Black hopes their efforts will inspire further community involvement.

The United Way Brandon & District’s 2025 fall campaign is more than a fundraising initiative; it is a call to action for the community to rally together in support of those in need. As Thompson aptly put it, “If we can inspire people to be the one who steps up in whatever way they can, that’s a victory.”