CSS does it again

Sign of Hope meets goal for 20th straight year

By RAMON GONZALEZ
WCR Staff Writer
Edmonton

The agency raised $1.84 million, surpassing the original campaign goal of $1.75 million by $92,000. It's the 20th consecutive year CSS has surpassed its objective in the Sign of Hope Campaign.

This surplus will be used to hire additional staff for First Steps, a program for pregnant women at the highest risk of having children with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder. The program currently has a waiting list of 13 women.

"It was one of our more challenging campaigns," said CSS spokesperson Marc Barylo, noting the agency lost three key donors in the last few days of the campaign. "We found that many of our donors in the business sector are having trouble financially."

The campaign met success thanks to Mayor Bill Smith who helped attract new donors and to some existing donors who decided to dig a little deeper this year.

"The campaign was still a success but it was a lot of work," Barylo said. "I attribute this success to the good Lord. I think that the Holy Spirit motivates and encourages people to support us because this ministry is making a difference in people's lives."

Sign of Hope's top corporate donor continues to be Capital City Savings, which donated more than $54,000 this year.

The parishes of the Edmonton Archdiocese raised around $327,000 with St. Thomas More Parish being the top parish contributor at more than $40,000. St. Joseph's Basilica came in second with $21,000.

"It never ceases to amaze me that despite some tough economic times people in our community still continue to give generously,' Barylo said.

"The Lord is watching," said campaign chair Graham Hicks of the campaign success. "I'm in awe of our community's ability to give and to give so generously. I think this is a reflection of the impact that Catholic Social Services has had on this community for almost 50 years."

The Sign of Hope Campaign supports more than 130 programs operated by Catholic Social Services, including treatment services for abused children and youth and programs for men and women living with HIV/AIDS.

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