Justin Michaud may not even be out of elementary school yet, but he made a big enough impression on the United Way Sudbury and District to be named as the charity's 2010 fundraising campaign chair.

“We met Justin last November when he made a presentation at a United Way event at Tom Davies Square on behalf of Big Brothers Big Sisters,” Emily Mackwood, United Way resource development manager, said while speaking at the campaign kickoff at the Caruso Club Sept. 8.

“We were impressed.”

Twelve-year-old Michaud is a Grade 7 student at Churchill Public School. He will be helping the organization to meet the $2 million target set for this year's campaign.

“I am up for it,” Michaud said. “I am excited. I hope we can raise $2 million. A lot of people in our community need help.”

12-year-old Justin Michaud has been named as United Way Sudbury and District's 2010 fundraising campaign chair. Photo by Marg Seregelyi.

United Way officials said the community is recovering enough from the recession and the labour dispute between Vale and Steelworkers Local 6500 to set a $2 million target for this year's campaign.

Last year, despite the economic downturn, United Way raised $1.8 million, according to Paul Gomirato, 2009 board president.

United Way Sudbury and District president Michael Cullen said while no financial goal was set last year, they did bring in more volunteers and individual donors.

This year, with the economy improving, United Way decided to set a monetary benchmark, as in past years, he said.

Jason Bubba, current board president, said he fully expects the $2 million goal to be met because Greater Sudbury is a caring community and realizes the need is out there.

“I have personally visited agencies supported by United Way,” Bubba said. “I have seen first hand the results of donor's dollars. I have seen mothers with hungry babies helped out. Each donation helps and will make an impact on those in need.”

Rick Bertrand, Local 6500 president said his members, in co-operation with Vale, have been the largest donors to the United Way campaigns over the years. He said he expects his members will step up to the plate again this year.

“Our members gave so much before because they realize the value of United Way to the whole community,” he said. “In past years the company matched our members' contributions dollar for dollar.”

Local 6500 raised $800,000 together with non-union staff in 2008, Cullen said.

In 2009 that figure dropped to $160,000 during the labour conflict, though the company itself continued to gift a corporate donation of $400,000 to the campaign both years.

Sylvia Barnard, president of Cambrian College, said youth and staff at the college participate in United Way.

“Last year we raised $20,000 through a United Way payroll deduction program and from events organized by our students both on and off campus.”

Mackwood said some sectors of the community will be especially targeted this year.

“We will target the health and the industrial sector-that includes the mining supply and service sector,” Mackwood said. “I know they were hit hard last year but we think they can be supportive this year as the economy improves.”

For more information, phone 560-3330, visit 105 Elm St. or www.unitedwaysudbury.com.