United Way Day of Caring Demonstrates the Power of Volunteering

News Release

United Way Day of Caring Demonstrates the Power of Volunteering

KINGSTON, Ont. (June 10, 2013) – On Friday, June 14^th United Way Day of Caring volunteers will come together for a unique opportunity to strengthen their community by taking on light construction, gardening and maintenance tasks at United Way member agencies across Kingston, Frontenac, Lennox & Addington (KFL&A).

Day of Caring is a win-win for all.  Agencies get much needed projects completed and volunteers learn about their community through a hands-on experience, gaining behind-the-scenes insight into the work of local agencies.

This year 180 volunteers from 27 workplaces have signed up to spend the day at 24 different sites.

The United Way Day of Caring volunteer committee has been hard at work since early this year, identifying projects, recruiting volunteer teams from workplaces, organizing equipment and pursuing material sponsors. Committee chair, Michele Finney, says, “Day of Caring provides the opportunity for workplaces to come together and engage employees while developing team-building skills and making a difference in our community.”

Day of Caring was introduced to KFL&A in 2001. Since then, 10,500 volunteer hours have been invested in 247 projects.  Day of Caring showcases our communities’ volunteer efforts and promotes the spirit of caring through the year, not just during the fall fundraising campaign.

Sponsored by Empire Life and Hydro One and numerous local businesses that donate supplies, the event begins with coffee and muffins at 8:30 a.m., provided by Tim Hortons (J. E. Agnew Food Services Ltd.) at St. Lawrence College, Kingston campus, Portsmouth Avenue and King Street. Teams of volunteers will work on projects through the morning and wrap up with a barbecue at the Junior Ranks Mess, CFB Kingston at 2:00 p.m.

About United Way serving KFL&A
United Way works with individuals, organizations and key partners to build and strengthen our community, bringing people and resources together to facilitate change. Our vision is a future where people are self-sufficient in a community, where individuals live with hope, dignity and a sense of belonging. Visit www.unitedwaykfla.ca for more information.

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Media Contact:
Bhavana Varma, President & CEO, United Way KFL&A
613-542-2674, ext. 2, bvarma@unitedwaykfla.ca

UNITED WAY DAY OF CARING
JUNE 14, 2013

On Friday, June 14^th look for United Way Day of Caring signs around Kingston, Frontenac, Lennox and Addington indicating that volunteers are hard at work, helping to build a stronger community.

Participating Workplaces:

• Algonquin & Lakeshore Catholic District School Board
• All-Risks Insurance
• Allstate Insurance
• Alma Mater Society (Queen’s University)
• Assurant Solutions
• Bell Media
• BMO Financial Group
• Bombardier Systems
• Canadian Defence Academy Headquarters
• City of Kingston
• Correctional Service Canada
• E.I. du Pont Canada
• Empire Life
• Family & Children’s Services FL&A
• Goodyear Canada Inc.
• Hydro One Inc.
• India-Canada Association of Kingston
• INVISTA (Canada) Company
• Kingston Whig Standard (Sun Media)
• Lafarge Canada Cement
• United Way Next Gen
• Ongwanada
• Parole Board of Canada
• Residence Inn by Marriott Kingston Water`s Edge
• Rogers Radio Group Kingston
• St. Lawrence College
• Winmar

Agencies:

• Better Beginnings for Kingston Children
• Big Brothers Big Sisters KFL&A
• Boys & Girls Club of Kingston & Area
• Canadian Hearing Society
• Canadian Mental Health Association
• CNIB
• Elizabeth Fry Society
• Elmwood Community Gardens
• Food Sharing Project
• Home Base Housing
• K3C Community Counselling Centre
• Kingston Interval House
• Kingston Literacy & Skills
• Kingston Community Health Centres
• L & A Interval House
• Lakeside Community Garden
• Limestone Advisory for Child Care Programs
• Loving Spoonful / Kingston Community Gardens Network
• South Frontenac Community Services
• St. Vincent de Paul
• Sunshine Playhouse Early Childhood Centre
• The Kids Place Early Childhood Centre
• Youth Diversion

Sponsors:

• Empire Life
• Hydro One

Material Sponsors:

• Burts Greenhouses
• CRS Rental Services
• Dulux
• Decorating Warehouse
• Kingston Paint and Wallpaper
• Lowe’s
• Parade of Paints Inc.
• Riley’s Garden Centre
• Swish Maintenance Ltd.
• United Rentals
• Sherwin Williams

Kick-off Sponsors:

• St. Lawrence College
• Tim Hortons (J.E. Agnew Food Services Ltd.)

Wrap Up BBQ Sponsor:

• CFB Kingston

United Way Day of Caring Volunteer Committee:

• Chair: Michele Finney, Hydro One
• Alynn Boyle, Empire Life
• Dana Bell, Family & Children’s Services FL&A
• Joanne Webb, Hydro One
• Maggie Stevens, St. Lawrence College
• Rachel Brace, Ongwanada
• Rob Raike, Bombardier / Next Gen Committee
• Tammy Kuehn, E.I. du Pont
• Terri Fraser, Hydro One
• Tom Tinney, Correctional Service Canada