United Way Takes Aim at Record Goal

In the News
September 15, 2011 –

United Way Takes Aim at Record Goal
The local United Way kicked off its annual fall fundraising campaign by unveiling the most ambitious single-season fundraising goal in the region’s history.

More than 600 enthusiastic supporters and volunteers packed the Ambassador Conference Resort Tuesday morning as Campaign 2011 Chair Les Herr announced that this year the campaign target is $3.2 million — a $200,000 increase over last year’s goal.

“The United Way is about changing lives and building a stronger community,” says Herr. “I think it’s the best charity in the world.”

This year, the campaign will focus on telling the United Way story and attracting additional donors, especially in the workplace.

Guest speaker John Dickson lent a colourful and realistic portrait of the United Way story, revealing his personal story of homelessness and how he was lifted out of profound “rootlessness, loneliness and despair” that comes from being under-housed.

There’s a difference between being homeless and under-housed, he told the crowd in a standup delivery that was at times humorous and poignant. Being homeless is bad enough, but being under-housed just as bad.

“You get a bed for the night at a shelter, you’re one of 30 trying to get a shower and you’re out on the street by early morning.”

A shelter provides a place to sleep “and not much else,” he says.

The realities of those who find themselves in this position are in stark contrast to what most people take for granted.

“I have no cable TV, no phone, no Internet.”

Choices have to be made between these items and food.

Things have taken a dramatic turn for the better, however, “now that someone went out on a limb to help me.”

That someone would be Kingston Home Base Non-Profit Housing, one of the agencies supported by the United Way.

“Now I have a home of my own, a cat and a garden. And, I was able to turn out 60 gallons of compost!”

Dickson pointed to the United Way logo, noting that, for him, it represents an ATM sticker — “someone who listened to me, fed me, clothed me, and hooked me up with mental health (support).”

“The campaign is truly a community effort,” says United Way President and CEO Bhavana Varma.

“There is so much generosity in this community. People come together to support family, friends, neighbours. The campaign team has set the bar high, but we know we’ll reach our goal if everyone gives what they can.”

Approximately 82 per cent of the money raised in 2010 was from workplaces. More than 400 KFL&A workplaces will run United Way campaigns over the next 12 weeks, with the help of more than 2,000 volunteers.

Campaign 2011 wraps up with an official announcement of the fundraising achievement on Friday, Nov. 25.

Campaign update

United Way Fare For Friends raised a record breaking $95,000 this year. The event, held on Sunday, September 11, has now raised $1,070,000 in the 18-years it has been running.

United Way workplace events: Week of September 12

Empire Life will host the 3rd annual garage sale in support of the United Way KFL&A on Saturday, Sept. 17 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. The sale will take place in the back parking lot of their 259 King St. office, between Johnson and William Streets. There will be a barbecue, live music, and a free electronics drop-off.

Ongwanada is hosting their 4th annual soccer tournament at John Machin Park Saturday, Sept. 17. The cost is $20 per player which includes lunch. No experience necessary and all skill level welcome! Soccer games will be on small fields with 7 per side – 3 women on at all times. For more information contact Rachel Brace at rbrace@ongwanada.com.

• Campaign Goal: $3,200,000
• Today’s Total: $338,567
• Percentage: 11%

Source: Kingston This Week, KTW Staff