United Way of Lethbridge celebrates 80 years in the community

United Way of Lethbridge and Southwestern Alberta is celebrating a milestone anniversary this week. United Way Lethbridge has been around for 80 years helping serve those in our community. The organization kicked off its anniversary with a flag raising ceremony outside City Hall Monday morning.

The United Way of Lethbridge and Southwestern Alberta has been serving Lethbridge and the surrounding area for 80 years and to celebrate, a United Way flag was raised at City Hall as a way to say thank you to the community. 

The United Way got its start in Lethbridge as a Community Chest back in 1941 as a way to address the funding needs of the community after the outbreak of the Second World War, organizations in Lethbridge needing to fundraise came together, raising just over $56,000.

The need for community support has increased over the past year and a half due to the on-going pandemic. Executive Director, with United Way of Lethbridge, Janelle Marietta, says its been working with the Government of Canada to provide funding for a wide range of services and support for the community. 

Aside from a strong pandemic response in 2020, United Way of Lethbridge also provided funding support to 14 community agencies in the region through its Community Fund.

As part of the anniversary celebrations, City Hall will be lit up in red at the end of the week.