The public service hopes to raise $22 million in their annual workplace campaign for local charities, including United Way.

"This community really needs the support of its public servants, and they were out in force today," said campaign chair Robert Fonberg after Thursday's launch in downtown Ottawa.

Over the next two months, public servants will stage a variety of events to meet or surpass their fundraising target.

It's estimated the government workers' campaign accounts for about 50 per cent of the region's total United Way funds. Ottawa's United Way campaign will officially begin Sept. 23.