United Way exists to improve lives and build community by engaging individuals and mobilizing collective action. They focus on creating strong communities and long-term, sustainable change. With Atlantic Lottery’s commitment to building stronger communities, supporting United Way is a natural fit and Atlantic Lottery employees have been taking part in this mission since 1993.

Sam Burke, Atlantic Lottery’s product manager and Chair of Atlantic Lottery’s internal United Way Committee, has been involved with United Way since her first year of university.

“I got to see firsthand the impact that United Way makes, just in our little Greater Moncton area – and that’s before I even understood how big the organization was nationally,” explained Burke.

When Sam joined Atlantic Lottery, she quickly became involved with the company’s internal United Way Committee.

“I joined the committee as a young buck just trying to make a mark,” said Burke. “I wanted to give back to the community and doing it through your workplace makes it easier, and also more impactful.”

After serving three years on the committee, Sam had the opportunity to step up and take on the role of Committee Chair. Evidently, this role has been a perfect fit for Sam, having recently received recognition as United Way’s Executive Committee Chair of the year.

Although this recognition has Burke’s name on it, she attributes this recognition to the entire Atlantic Lottery United Way Committee.

“It’s because of the drive that we have, and the cooperation and collaboration that we have with United Way,” said Burke. “It’s completely impossible to have done without the Committee – I could not have done this without this phenomenal group of people.”

The efforts of Atlantic Lottery’s United Way Committee have earned additional recognition, coming in 5^th in United Way’s Top 10 Corporate Partners for the second year in a row. Burke says it is especially motivating to receive such recognition during the COVID-19 pandemic, as the need for support has increased significantly.

Though the pandemic has caused United Way to reduce financial goals from supporting corporations, they were able to reach an ambitious goal of $2 million in their 2020 campaign year. Atlantic Lottery employees stepped up to the plate to help reach this goal, ensuring our local communities can continue to thrive and United Way’s agencies can continue to meet the increased demand for services.

As for those who may want to get involved with United Way or other agencies in the future, Burke has some advice.

“If your soul craves it, just do it,” Burke said. “Whether it is joining a committee or volunteering on your kid’s basketball team, you can make an impact on anyone’s life just by giving a little bit of time, a bit of money, or a bit of your skills.”

Atlantic Lottery isn’t just a corporation, it’s made up of people who are proud to contribute to the region we all call home, whether it’s at work or through their own activities. This story is the first in an on-going series that will take a closer look at the volunteer efforts of Atlantic Lottery employees and how they show up to support their local communities.