Premier Robert Ghiz joined provincial government employees for a celebratory barbecue Thursday as workers launched the 2009 Provincial Government Employees United Way campaign.
The Premier and David Dunphy, President of the United Way for Prince Edward Island, raised the United Way flag over the courtyard of the provincial complex to begin the campaign which urges government employees to support the charitable work of the United Way.
“The charities that are supported through the United Way are active in every corner of our Island . . . As a government, we work side by side with United Way charities on causes of all kinds and, as individuals, we all know those who have been assisted by the United Way,” said Premier Ghiz. “The United Way certainly has our gratitude, but this fundraising campaign gives us all, as individuals the chance to show in a tangible way that the United Way has our support.”
Jim Ferguson, chair of the 2009 employees campaign, said he is optimistic that the campaign will realize its goal of raising $147,000 for the United Way. “The employees of the provincial government are very enthusiastic in their support of the United Way, and I know that we’ll see that enthusiasm in evidence again this year with the fundraising efforts and the generosity of our friends and colleagues.”