Resilient Billboard Rescue continues to deliver

THUNDER BAY – Over the past quarter-century, fundraisers have come and gone in Thunder Bay.

But the United Way’s annual Billboard Rescue has stood tall – literally.

On Thursday 33 teams were at it again, trying to raise up to $150,000, the organization’s single biggest one-day fundraiser of the year.

Mary McLellan, the United Way of Thunder Bay’s campaign chair for 2016, was one of more than 130 people who soared into the sky atop a scissor lift in the Lowerys Basics parking lot, whipped out her cell phone and started pouring through her contact list looking for people to help her reach her fundraising goal.

“I’ve been up a few times and this is the best ever,” said the general manager of the Valhalla Inn. “It was great weather, there was no wind and it’s super high so you can see the entire city.”

The view aside, it was for a great cause.

“I can’t help but not support such a great event, whether I’m chair or not. What it does for the community carries on past today. So to spend a half an hour up there is a nice break from work and we get to do good for the community,” McLellan said.

Lowerys partner Shawn Christie said most participants began their fundraising efforts in the weeks leading into Thursday’s event.
But there’s still some work to do, he said, encouraging the public to pick up if they get a call.

“Answer those phones, obviously and give generously. All the money stays right here in Thunder Bay. It goes to the United Way. Our largest fundraising effort of the year is the Billboard Rescue,” Christie said. “It’s been going on for 24 years. What can I say? These teams come back year after year.”

It’s the knowledge of how much good the United Way does in Thunder Bay that has kept the event fresh, despite how long it’s been around.

“We’re helping out one-in-three people in the community and there are more than 60 programs we help to fund and 29 agencies. So this money that stays right here in Thunder Bay that people are donating to the United Way today is crucial,” Christie said.

The event continues through the afternoon.

A charity barbecue is also being held in conjunction with the event until 2:30 p.m.