When I was asked to assume the role of Chair of the 2008 United Way/Centraide Campaign, my immediate reaction was a mix of surprise, fear and guilt. Surprise and fear are obvious reactions, but guilt? My guilt was the result of an immediate and overwhelming desire to say “No!”

I support the United Way/Centraide as much as the next person, but surely, I thought, there must be someone more qualified than I.  

But how does one say no to the United Way/Centraide? In the last 25 years Sudbury’s United Way/Centraide has grown from an umbrella fundraiser to a community builder… a critical thread in the fabric of our lives. Its impact is clear, its contribution… immeasurable. Over the years, the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and tens of thousands of donors have improved the lives of so many.

In the end, how can any one of us say no to the United Way/Centraide? In 2007, more of us than ever before said yes, contributing $2.2 million to charitable organizations and programs that were selected based on the areas of greatest need in our community.

There is so much more that can be accomplished and only the United Way/Centraide can make it happen. I hope you’ll join us.  Together, we will “Find the Way”.

Jim Thompson