Individual Contributors Rise by Over 20,000 for BC Liberals in 2008
VANCOUVER – Over 20,000 new individual contributors donated to the BC Liberal Party in 2008, an increase of 559% since 2007, showing incredible new support and momentum moving into the 2009 election campaign, BC Liberal Director of Communications & Membership Services Chad Pederson said today.
"Our party’s tremendous increase in individual contribution levels exemplify the growing support we’re seeing in communities across the province," said Pederson. "People are telling us we need the strong experienced leadership of Premier Campbell and the BC Liberal Team now more than ever to provide the confidence and stability we need to see us through tough global economic times.”
As evidenced by the BC Liberal Party’s annual financing report, 24,909 individuals contributed to the party in 2008, up from 4,454 individuals in 2007. The 2008 figure is a record of individual contributors for the BC Liberal Party since the party’s first contributor summary was released in 2005.
"The record number of individuals contributing to our party is certainly a good sign as we’re now only 37-days away from the next provincial election," said Pederson. "Our supporters are energized and they realize how important this election is to the future of British Columbia for years to come."
Small business also played a large role in BC Liberal Party contributions in 2008, with over 63% of all business donations totaling $2000 or less, and 41.5% $1000 or less.
“The BC Liberals have built a strong foundation for growth that makes us well-positioned to weather this global recession and emerge stronger than ever, building on BC’s unique strategic advantages." said Pederson. "Small businesses recognize that fact and they’re showing continued support for Premier Campbell and the BC Liberal plan to see us thorough the current global economic crisis.”
The BC Liberals raised $7.88 million in 2008. Annual financing reports submitted to Elections BC by registered political parties were released today at 9 a.m.
