We are living in unprecedented times – but that did not stop The North West Company Inc. and its Winnipeg-based employees from rallying together to continue supporting United Way in its fundraising efforts.

North West has been a longstanding, proud supporter of United Way Winnipeg, and organizes an annual campaign to help raise funds. The 2020 campaign was certainly unlike any other and despite the challenges faced, a total of $384,201 was raised.

United Way Winnipeg is a nonprofit organization that provides funding to agencies and programs that help children achieve their goals, move families out of poverty and build healthier communities. Through donations from corporate partners, government agencies and other stakeholders, United Way supports over 100 non-profit agencies in every neighborhood of Winnipeg. In the past year, United Way Winnipeg pulled together donations from tens of thousands of donors to raise $21.6 million in order to create 100 additional support programs and positively change the lives of 340,000 individuals.

North West’s 2020 fundraising campaign included a number of exciting initiatives. The campaign kicked off on September 18 with North West staff taking part in United Way Winnipeg’s Walk This Way virtual walk. By the end of the day, United Way Winnipeg raised over $100,000.

Pictured above: Some Nor'Westers and their families who were part of the United Way Walk This Way virtual walk. All together they walked 635,209 steps for a total distance of 775.85 Km.

Other initiatives included a donation pledge campaign, prize draws for pledges, virtual agency tours, a silent auction, a branded United Way/North West face mask drive, and a Virtual Chase the Ace campaign, all to raise funds for United Way and the important agencies it supports.

The 2020 campaign also saw an increase in new donors, while many returning donors graciously increased their pledges. In addition, North West committed a one-time $250,000 donation for a special city-wide Covid-relief challenge, matching major donor contributions.

During these uncertain times, United Way Winnipeg’s work remains crucial, and North West was happy to help ensure United Way Winnipeg can continue to improve the well-being of children and families in Winnipeg. 

“I’ve seen our United Way Winnipeg 2020 Campaign come to life in so many ways. Leadership comes from everywhere and we’ve all stepped up as a company to help make the City of Winnipeg a better place through our continued support for United Way Winnipeg,” said Alex Yeo, President, Canadian Retail, The North West Company Inc.