COVID-19 Update from United Way of KFL&A – April 20, 2021

Good afternoon! Hope everyone is staying safe and healthy through the third wave of the pandemic and the current lockdown.

As the pandemic continues, United Way KFL&A routinely checks in with agencies and partners in our community to help as everyone works to navigate these challenging times. In conversations with agencies, we have learned that some are seeing a significant increase in first time clients – people who have never accessed these services before. And in addition to first time clients, those who already face barriers—things like food insecurity, poverty, homelessness and social isolation—need even more help.

In line with these needs, this week’s update includes details on United Way KFL&A’s COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund and how you can help, plus details on a matching grant. I’d also like to take a moment to thank our volunteers during National Volunteer Week and give some details on this year’s new Campaign Chair and planning for the United Way’s 80^th Campaign this fall.

COVID-19 RESPONSE FUND

The United Way KFL&A COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund was set up in March of 2020 and with the support of donors in our generous community, we were able to adapt and respond quickly, helping people in need.

In 2020, 79,000 people were helped – here are some ways your support made a difference:

1,200 people a day are helped with meal programs every day of the week;
6,000 individuals were helped with meal delivery and healthy food box programs;
676 individuals received support through technology assistance;
1,105 individuals received counselling support through virtual sessions

As we continue to face challenges in 2021, please, if you can, consider giving through the response fund. We are excited to announce that, if you are able to give now, your donation will have double the impact thanks to a generous grant from Ray and Paul Di Rinaldo and the team at RDR Wealth Management, matching donations to the United Way KFL&A’s Covid-19 Response Fund.

As the effects from the pandemic continue, individuals, friends, and families across KFL&A are going to need help now more than ever.

For more information on the COVID-19 Response Fund and to donate visit www.unitedwaykfla.ca/covid-19/

NATIONAL VOLUNTEER WEEK

This week marks National Volunteer Week across the country and is another opportunity to thank the thousands of volunteers in our community that make a difference every day.

United Way KFL&A is grateful for the support of volunteers – whether it is collecting and sorting donations, volunteering on committees and board, helping with workplace campaigns and events and so much more – volunteers are always there to support the community.

Last week, a virtual lunch was held to recognize some amazing workplace volunteers that make the campaign such a success year after year. To learn more about these awards and the recipients visit https://www.unitedwaykfla.ca/newsrelease-2021workplacevolunteerawards/

And last month, the province of Ontario also recognized some of United Way’s amazing local volunteers for their years of service through the 2020 Volunteer Service Awards. A big shout out and thank you to: Samuel Jainchill (Youth), Adam Clow (10 yrs), Paul Webster (10 yrs), Mary Beth Gauthier (20 yrs), Michele Finney (20 yrs), Karen Smith (20 yrs) and Dr. William Leggett (20 yrs).

Thank you to all of the amazing volunteers in KFL&A. Your ongoing support means so much to the community, especially in these challenging times.

CAMPAIGN 2021 AND NEW CAMPAIGN CHAIR

The United Way is pleased to announce the appointment of Daren Dougall, Regional Manager, for the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services as your 2021 Campaign Chair.

Dougall will build on the great momentum generated by 2020 chair Antje McNeely, Chief of Police for the Kingston Police Force.

“I am excited and looking forward to doing what I can to make the 2021 campaign a huge success,” said Dougall. “I believe every person in our community matters. We need to do everything we possibly can to eliminate barriers that our friends, family and neighbours face to achieving health and happiness; United Way works to do just that and I am honoured to be asked to contribute to my community this year as Campaign Chair.”

Speaking of amazing volunteers, your United Way KFL&A 2021 Campaign Cabinet is hard at work planning and anticipating changes that will need to be made to the typical campaign structure. This year’s campaign will continue with the theme of ‘Local Love’ and how this local love can be seen in action and in response as our community continues to adapt to the current circumstances.

The 80th annual Campaign will kick off on Friday, September 10, 2021. Stay tuned for more details.

THANK YOU!!

Thank you! Your support continues to change the lives of so many impacted by this pandemic. Thank you for your continued. You can always stay up to date by following our social media channels – Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn and of course, you can find videos at www.unitedwaykfla.ca/videos/ and regular updates on our website at www.unitedwaykfla.ca

Take care. Stay safe and well!

Bhavana Varma
President & CEO | United Way of Kingston, Frontenac, Lennox & Addington

United Way KFL&A COVID-19 Response Fund

Since the beginning of the pandemic United Way KFL&A has continued to work to find ways to develop collective and proactive approaches to the situation, working with agencies to ensure our community can continue to serve all residents, especially the most vulnerable.

COVID-19 Update from United Way of KFL&A – March 16, 2021

In this month’s update you’ll learn about a Food Hub project that United Way KFL&A is working on and details about upcoming Leadership Development Services workshops. I’d also like to share some results from our very successful Tampon Tuesday donation drive.

COVID-19 Update from United Way of KFL&A – January 22, 2021

In this month’s update you’ll learn about Bell Let’s Talk Day, details about United Way KFL&A’s continuing COVID-19 Response, funding and support provided to community members and agencies in 2020, and an update on the Social Services Recovery Taskforce.

"My wife and I have always donated to the United Way KFL&A because we know the donated funds are used in our community. In my retirement, I have become more aware of the people in need in our community. I encourage you to support these vital programs by volunteering and by making a donation. Through the United Way you make a difference in the lives of so many."

"With our United Way funding, we go right to the grocery store or a local supplier and purchase the food that helps a student take advantage of everything school has to offer. You can be confident that your donation to the United Way stays here, in KFL&A and supports students in our community"

“United Way came in and adopted us and things changed dramatically, we didn’t have people waiting on the step for a bed in the winter. They stay as long as they need to and we help them get into transitional housing. We provide them with structure and help them. Because of United Way we get to help raise these children and I feel honoured and so proud to know them.”