The announcement of a $12,000 United Way West Annual fundraising goal for CFB Shilo drew unanimous applause at the campaign kick-off held at the Military Family Resource Centre, Sept. 14.

The heavy rain did not dampen spirits at the flag-raising ceremony, as more than 50 supporters, including United Way West Chief Executive Officer Cynamon Mychasiw and the CFB Shilo Base Command Team led by Lieutenant-Colonel J.P. Nguyen, braved the downpour to support the seasonal cause.

Highlighting the 2026 United Way fundraising drive theme combined with the National Defence Charitable Workplace Campaign, Base Commander LCol Nguyen said the CAF members, staff and residents at CFB Shilo benefit greatly from feeling so connected in their efforts.

“This year’s campaign is Together Building Stronger Communities, and it couldn’t be more apt for what we do here at CFB Shilo,” he said, with the 4,000 strong in Shilo being part of the movement as a “smallish” community, included in the expanding Brandon area population of approximately 50,000.

“We’re a small community, and we build together. We work together. The results happen when we get together,” he said.

Mychasiw said CFB Shilo’s efforts are recognized year after year, with their ongoing support as a driving force in the local community.

The $2 million national campaign runs from Sept. to the end of Dec., with many departments on Base participating in unique and creative ways to engage crowdsourcing, such as bake sales, barbecues, raffles, and draws in previous years.

A little-known fact, the Base Commander said, is that donations can be directed to charities of personal preference.

“We look forward to all your bright ideas, your participation, your energy to do something that helps our community. I know that we can achieve this goal. I’ve seen the generosity of our people here, time and time again. Shilo steps up whenever there is an opportunity to help people. So over the next few months, I encourage you to get involved,” LCol Nguyen said.

“It takes a village. It takes people. It takes people getting involved, and it couldn’t be for a better cause … it’s all about giving and building our teams healthier and stronger together.”