Mr. Speaker, Northerners have long been known for their generosity, and each year the Government of the Northwest Territories employees continue to show their commitment to building stronger, healthier communities by supporting the United Way NWT.
I am very pleased to announce that this year the Government of the Northwest Territories Workplace Campaign raised just over $102,000.
Mr. Speaker, this is the 12th year of the campaign and the most successful. The number of Government of the Northwest Territories staff generosity has doubled and their campaign pledges commit to donating nearly $100,000 in 2015 through payroll deductions. This is up over $40,000 dollars from the previous campaign. This makes the Government of the Northwest Territories the biggest corporate donor to United Way NWT, and I am certain we will do even better in the next campaign.
As the honourary chair, I am very pleased with this year's results. I would like to point out that in 2014 the United Way NWT invested over $57,000 in 16 different projects in the NWT. This year, due to the generosity of so many, they were able to increase the amount of grants to 21 organizations across the Northwest Territories in the amount of $91,500. This increase has allowed them to fund projects in Fort Smith, Fort Providence, Hay River, the Sahtu, as well as Inuvik and Yellowknife.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Government of the Northwest Territories departmental coordinators, who were added this year to assist senior management with organizing information and fundraising events during the month-long campaign. Their enthusiasm for organizing fundraising events and encouraging employees to donate is at the heart of this success.
I would also like to express my appreciation to our colleagues, Tracy St-Denis, the chair of the United Way NWT; and Deborah Ross, the Government of the Northwest Territories campaign coordinator, for their dedication and tireless efforts. They have done much to ensure a promising future for our residents.
Mr. Speaker, there are many others within our public service and communities who have also donated their time, including our payroll and benefits staff who are essential in making the Government of the Northwest Territories campaign a success. Together the voluntary efforts of all these people are great examples of our northern spirit, colleagues helping colleagues, neighbours supporting neighbours, and all of reaching out to provide a helping hand.
We know that every dollar counts. So, thank you to the Members of this Assembly and the many donors who have generously supported the United Way NWT.
Change starts right here and together we are making a difference. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.