CALGARY - In defiance of the recession, donors to the latest Calgary United Way campaign helped the group beat its 2009 fundraising target.

United Way announced Tuesday the campaign raised $49.6 million, about $2.6 million over the target set four months ago.

“This is amazing,” said Art Korpach, co-chair of the 2009 campaign. “We worked hard to get the message out that people really need our help this year, and the hard work has paid off.”

“Being a campaign co-chair has opened my eyes to how much people in this community care about each other,” added John Masters.

The United Way provides funding to agencies and individuals in vulnerable circumstances, including children, aboriginal youth, low-income families and victims of violence. The campaign drew from neighbouring communities like Cochrane, Strathmore, Okotoks and High River, as well as Calgary.