Terry Kruger
Northern News Services

Yellowknife (Oct 11/02) - Whether it's flipping flapjacks or showing the United Way flag, former mayor Dave Lovell is ready to do whatever it takes to support the city's newest fundraising organization.

- Kickoff breakfast 7 to 8:30 a.m. Oct. 16 at Yellowknife fire hall -- people are welcome to stop by for free pancakes, talk with non-governmentmental organizations that support people in Yellowknife and even give a donation. CBC Radio will broadcast live from the location - Federal and territorial governments and the city have approved payroll deduction for staff to donate - Donations are tax deductible - Who's on board: President Roslyn Smith, Vice-president Bob Haywood, Secretary Judy McLinton, Treasurer Lowell Ann Fulgsang, directors Doris McCann, Gord Van Tighem, Margaret Bertulli, Craig Haynes, Todd Parsons, Patrick Perraud and Glenn Tait. - Donations to any registered charity can be made through the Yellowknife United Way - Look for a two-page promotion in the Oct. 16 Yellowknifer.

The long-time civic politician and city resident is honourary chair for the United Way of Yellowknife's first campaign.

"I'll do whatever's needed," said Lovell.

As a prominent resident, he'll help raise the profile of the fledgling organization.

"We're 'friend-raising' rather than fund-raising," said United Way treasurer Lowell Ann Fulgsang.

"Our major thrust during the first campaign is to make people aware we're here."

That's why, said president Roslyn Smith, the volunteer board of directors has not set a fund-raising goal.

"It takes all year to build a connection," she said. "Right now, we're really laying the groundwork for next year."

The United Way's focus is to raise money to help people rather than specific organizations.

People can, if they wish, specifically direct their donation to charities of their choice that participate in the United Way; money will go into a community fund that will be distributed twice-a-year. The United Way expects to issue a call for proposals and then an allocations committee will decide where money will be spent.

"We've focused on three areas, economic poverty, breaking the cycle of poverty and looking at projects to strengthen the second of community," said Smith.

It's a priority that sits well with Lovell.

He also volunteers time with the Salvation Army and Anglican Church vestry and has served on several boards over the years, including the CNIB, NACC and Arctic House.

"It's humanitarian rather than building a ball park," said Lovell.