CFB Shilo Base Command Team presented Areta Donnelly, campaign director for the Brandon and District United Way, a donation cheque on Feb. 11, from funds raised through the Government of Canada Workplace Campaign. (Photo: K-J Millar/Shilo Stag News)

K-J Millar
Shilo Stag Media

When CFB Shilo unites its ways, different divisions come together, and the Brandon and District United Way benefits from the efforts.

Areta Donnelly, campaign director for Brandon and District United Way accepted a $10,958 cheque from Base Commander Lieutenant-Colonel David Cronk at the Base on Feb. 11.

Canadian Armed Forces members and civilian employees at CFB Shilo participated in a Government of Canada Workplace Charitable Campaign throughout the year, participating in different activities to raise funds for the organization.

“It’s an opportunity for civilians and service members to contribute to the local community or a specific charity of their choice. They can make a one-time donation, or they can do it through a payroll deduction,” Donelly said.

In her best recollection, Donelly said that the Base has been participating in United Way fundraising campaigns for more than 38 years. CFB Shilo was, in fact, nominated in the national United Way Campaign as one of the most enthusiastic workplaces with outstanding efforts, with members of the Base Command team travelling to Ottawa in January for the award ceremony.

LCol David Cronk said this year Base employees ran a robust campaign.

From across the Base, multiple units did various activities to raise funds.

“We did a couple of new things this year, like the dunk tank at the fall departure event, which raised a fair bit of money,” LCol Cronk said. As well RP Ops also ran a stand-by, and Base Maintenance ran their popular tire change program, which is a “go-to” event, the Base Commander said. The kitchens held a pancake breakfast which started the day off well for participants.

Due to the number of events the Base holds, the outstanding representation and high levels of engagement from all the units, the base was nominated for the most enthusiastic in the national United Way campaign LCol Cronk said.

“It was great to be nominated and we appreciate the recognition for that,” he said.

On behalf of the organization, Areta Donnelly, campaign director for the Brandon and District United Way is delighted to receive a donation cheque on Feb. 11 from CFB Shilo raised funds raised through the Government of Canada Workplace Campaign. (Photo: K-J Millar/Shilo Stag News)