Portage la Prairie recently came together at Prairie Fusion Arts and Entertainment to celebrate the success of United Way in Central Plains' Touchdown event, showcasing the community's generosity and support. 

Newly appointed Campaign Chair, Preston Meier, shared his excitement for the role, acknowledging the significant impact United Way has on local organizations. 

"I'm just really excited," Meier expressed. "United Way has a long history in Portage la Prairie and the organizations that it supports and help fund are the very fabric of our community. So, I'm extremely proud to be able to help lend my voice. Along with all the volunteers, the advisory committee and, of course, our incredible coordinators Megan Romphf and Kathryn Dalton and we're really looking forward to some good things coming up. Although my official role doesn't start until September, we're certainly going to be active between now and then. I really look forward to announcing what our new campaign is going to be." 

Megan Romphf, Community Engagement Coordinator, highlighted the remarkable fundraising total of $185,473 from the previous year.

"It feels, to put it in two words; astoundingly amazing." Romphf shared, "I say that because Kathryn and I have only really been back in the office for the past six months. A lot of these fundraising efforts, we've done through talking to people, having people know that we were back in office and the show of community support for the United Way and how much we were missed the last few years with the office not being open."

During the event, eight community partner agencies were announced; the Bear Clan, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Family Resource Centre, the Canadian Mental Health Association, Child and Family Services, Sunset Palliative Care, Portage Service for Seniors and the Portage Learning and Literacy Centre. 

Randy Lilley, Coordinator for the Portage Bear Clan, expressed gratitude for United Way's ongoing commitment to the area.

"This funding is going to allow us to continue going out and about doing what we can to connect to the community. Because of the great folks at United Way and some of the other agencies in the city, you're going to see Bear Clan out there. Thank you so much to United Way and to all the Bear Clan volunteers and to everyone that's doing what they can to make this community so good."

Looking ahead, United Way is gearing up for the 2024 fundraising campaign, with plans for a kickoff event in September. 

United Way extends gratitude to all volunteers, supporters, and partner agencies for their dedication. As well as honouring the efforts of Cindy McDonald and Aldene Moroz. For those interested in getting involved, inquiries can be made by contacting their office.