NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Donation Drive calls on community members to support each other this winter
Leon’s Centre, Kingston Frontenacs & United Way KFL&A partner to help the most vulnerable community members
KINGSTON, ON (Dec. 2, 2020) – ‘Tis the season of giving and many people in the Kingston community are looking for ways that they can help their fellow community members who may be in need this year.
The pandemic has been difficult for many in KFL&A and as the effects of COVID-19 continue, so do the needs. Food, household items, clothing and hygiene products are all expensive and with the holidays around the corner, many in our community could use some assistance.
Earlier this year, United Way KFL&A, with the help of many generous community partners, ran a successful Backpack Campaign and Coat Drive; a winter Community Donation Drive continues this response to growing needs in the community. The Leon’s Centre contacted the United Way to see how they could help.
Lynn Carlotto, Leon’s Centre General Manager, stated “Leon’s Centre remains a vital part of Kingston, in spite of the fact that COVID-19 has completely shut down our operations. Although closed, we want to do what we can for the community. Our central location, easy drop-off parking and open concourse space make Leon’s Centre the ideal place for a drive. In addition, the Kingston Frontenacs are happy to help make this a huge success for our community. Together we look forward to welcoming all our fans back just as soon as it is safe to do so.”
“It is clear that people are looking for ways to help people during the pandemic and into the holiday season. And we know that many community members may be planning donation drives in their own workplaces or with family and friends already,” said United Way KFL&A President and CEO Bhavana Varma. “With the help of our agency partners, these donations will make their way to where they are needed most.”
Community members are encouraged to donate non-perishable food items, hygiene products, new clothing items including warm accessories like hats, mitts, scarves and socks. Gently used boots and coats for children and adults will be accepted. A full list of suggested items can be found at https://www.unitedwaykfla.ca/holidaygiving/
Donations will be accepted from December 7 – 11, and December 14 – 18, 11:00am to 2:00pm at Gate 4 of the Leon’s Centre on The Tragically Hip Way and a special guest from the Frontenacs may even make an appearance to help collect throughout the drive. These items will be sorted by volunteers as they come in and will then be distributed through local agencies.
“United Way is grateful for this partnership with the Leon’s Centre and the Kingston Frontenacs, and their generosity in making sure there is a time and place to drop off these items,” added Varma. “This donation drive will help to ensure that our most vulnerable community members will continue to receive the supports they need in these challenging times.”
For more information about the Community Donation Drive, please visit https://www.unitedwaykfla.ca/communitydonationdrive
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About United Way of KFL&A
The United Way KFL&A works with individuals, organizations and key partners in the Kingston, Frontenac, Lennox and Addington Region to build and strengthen our shared community, bringing people and resources together to facilitate change for the better. Our vision is a future in which people are self-sufficient in a community, where individuals live with hope, dignity and a sense of belonging. Stay up to date by following our social media channels – Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn and of course, look for regular updates on our website at www.unitedwaykfla.ca.
About Leon’s Centre
Leon’s Centre is the premier sports and entertainment facility located in downtown Kingston Ontario. The arena is home to the Kingston Frontenacs OHL franchise, and is proudly managed by ASM Global.
About Kingston Frontenacs
Locally owned and managed the Kingston Frontenacs are a junior ice hockey team in the Ontario Hockey League, based in Kingston, Ontario, Canada. The Frontenacs play home games at the Leon’s Centre, which is located at 1 The Tragically Hip Way, Kingston, Ontario. The franchise was founded in 1973–74, then known as the Kingston Canadians. The team was renamed the Kingston Frontenacs in 1989. Visit www.kingstonfrontenacs.com or follow the team on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
MEDIA NOTE: Out of respect for physical distancing public health protocol, interviews are being offered with representatives of the United Way KFL&A, Kingston Frontenacs, Leon’s Centre and other community partners via phone, Zoom or Skype.
Media Contacts:
Mandy Pasch
Manager, Marketing and Communications
United Way KFL&A
Phone: 613-876-3088
Email: marketing@unitedwaykfla.ca
Nicole Kemp
Acting Director of Business Operations
Kingston Frontenacs Hockey Club
Phone: 613-542-4042 x6044
Email: nkemp@kingstonfrontenacs.com
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