Fund raising goal for MARPAC GCWCC announced

Maritime Forces Pacific’s Senior Command Team and the Interim CEO of United Way hold up their donation forms just before the official Government of Canada Workplace Charitable Campaign (GCWCC) kick off, held at the Naden Drill Deck during the Industrial Supplier Trade Show Sept. 19. From left to right: CPO1 Shawn Taylor, Heather Gardiner, Capt(N) Luc Cassivi, RAdm Bill Truelove, CPO1 Paul Helston, Cmdre Bob Auchterlonie, CPO1 Michel Vigneault and Capt(N) Bradley Peats.

This year’s goal for the Government of Canada Workplace Charitable Campaign (GCWCC) was announced to thunderous applause at the 2013 Industrial Supplier Trade Show.

Base Commander Capt(N) Luc Cassivi  announced CFB Esquimalt’s fund raising goal of $700, 000, stating it is a reachable and reasonable milestone.

“We know the military community is one of giving,” said Capt(N) Cassivi. “We’re also a family-oriented one, and the United Way helps fund programs that aid families across the region.”

CFB Esquimalt’s goal of $700,000 is a part of a regional goal of $6 million. Capt(N) Cassivi says the United Way and Healthpartners are able to help more people than most might realize.

“One in three people receives some kind of help from a United Way funded group,” he says. “This isn’t just a campaign that affects us, it affects a huge portion of our community.”

Interim CEO of the United Way of Greater Victoria Heather Gardiner was on hand to speak of the charitable spirit of the military community and of the United Way.

“I myself have had support from United Way organizations in the past,” she said. “Without their help, and without the help of the military which is our biggest contributor, many people in our community would have much harder lives. Thank you so much for your help and care.”

-Shawn O’Hara, Staff Writer