Provincial government employees surpassed fundraising goals during the annual United Way campaign.

Employees in departments and agencies across Nova Scotia raised $688,493, which was $120,000 more than the 2012 campaign. The provincial goal for 2013 was $600,000.

“I am thrilled by the participation of provincial employees, whose generosity helped us exceed our goal again this year,” said Simon d’Entremont, deputy minister of Economic and Rural Development and Tourism. “These funds will be used by the United Way to make a difference in the lives of individuals and families in communities across Nova Scotia.

This year’s campaign was hosted by Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations and Economic and Rural Development and Tourism.

The United Way funds hundreds of agencies and programs across Nova Scotia, ranging from afterschool programming, literacy, employment training and family resource delivery. Funds raised by employees will stay in their communities.

“United Way Halifax is fortunate that our provincial government employees care about our community and are willing to show their concern by contributing to the annual campaign,” said Catherine J. Woodman, president and CEO, United Way Halifax. “As we focus on the critical issues in this city and zero in on poverty and healthy living, we are grateful for their generous support and inspired by the power of giving shown by so many.”

The 2014 campaign will be hosted by the Department of Community Services. For more information, visit www.gov.ns.ca/unitedway .

Source: Release