Ten years ago, Hot Tomali launched United Way of the Lower Mainland’s first ever website. We did the site as a pro bono project and have continued to stay involved with United Way ever since, as one donation helps so many people. United Way’s main focus is preventing problems tomorrow by supporting especially vulnerable groups such as children 0–6, 6–12, and seniors. Partner agencies that United Way helps include the Canadian Red Cross, SUCCESS, YWCA, and Big Brothers.

This year we decided to combine our United Way Employee Campaign with a last Friday of summer BBQ on our new rooftop patio. The Campaign kick-off was on Friday, September 17 after our biannual Town Hall meeting. To get the campaign started, we did a small presentation with facts about United Way to remind our team, friends, guests, and neighbours from MET Printers what United Way is about. Our goal this year was $2,000, which at first seemed, dare I say, too high for the size of our team.

Luckily the day was sunny and we could gather together outside by the BBQ or in the boardroom by our colourful potluck buffet prepared by Ali, Dav, Alex, Jan, and Kyle. International specialties were offered, such as Canadian Butter Tarts, Indian Samosas, Chinese Zongzi, Czech Goulash, and English Bean Salad. As well we served refreshing Margaritas with premium Tequila that Jan kindly brought back from Mexico.

After the weekend we got together again for coffee and cookies to wrap up our campaign. We did a prize draw for everyone who pledged, and with great pleasure I announced the total amount raised: $2,517 — way higher than our original goal of $2,000!

Thanks to everyone who helped to make this United Way campaign so successful! It’s amazing what a small group of people can do. I’m glad I set the goal higher than my comfort level because it reminded me that goals are meant to be tough to reach — that’s what makes it so rewarding when we meet (or exceed!) them.