Workplace campaign donations have been one aspect of Portage Plains United Way's fundraising efforts for some time. A past regular contributor has been the Portage Co-op, who presented a cheque yesterday at the west-end Portage Co-op gas bar.

Co-op Human Resources/Member Relations Manager Tammy Hammersley shares how much they raised throughout last year.

"We are giving $2,394 today from our 2016 workplace campaign," says Hammersley. "Not only does Portage Co-op contribute as a whole, but our employees also contribute through workplace campaigns. There's only about ten of us that were involved in this."

United Way Executive Director Mandy Dubois says she's especially excited by the Co-op's participation in the workplace campaign, seeing as they experienced a decline in 2016 compared to previous years. She thanks the Co-op for their great contribution every year, noting this aspect of fundraising isn't restricted to a few months of the year, as others are.

Dubois says this kind of giving reinforces the fact that the workplace campaign is still alive, and still a great way for people to donate. She notes the focus for 2017 is getting workplace donations back up with more businesses involved. Dubois says if you're interested in getting your place of work involved, you can contact her office at any time. She explains you can donate as little as a dollar or two a paycheque, adding up to a significant tax receipt at the end of the year and a significant boost to their campaign.

Portage Plains United Way: (204) 857-4440