News Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
2023 United Way Campaign Chair Announced
CFB Kingston Base Commander to lead this year’s fundraising campaign
Kingston, ON (April 20, 2023) – The United Way Kingston, Frontenac, Lennox & Addington is pleased to announce the appointment of Colonel Sonny Hatton, Commander, Canadian Forces Base Kingston, as the Chair of the 2023 Campaign.
“Having spent three postings and one-third of my career in Kingston, I consider this city a second home. I am looking forward to learning how I and other individuals can continue to work to make this community better,” said Col. Hatton. “Last year, I saw firsthand the amazing generosity of this community and I know that we are much stronger together. I am excited to work with my fellow volunteers and community members to make the 2023 campaign a great success for the benefit of the greater Kingston community, including Frontenac, Lennox and Addington counties.”
Col. Hatton has previously volunteered with the United Way KFL&A, volunteering on the Campaign Cabinet since he arrived in Kingston last year. As the chair for the 2023 campaign, he will be working with volunteers and the community to build on the success of the 2022 campaign.
“This community is fortunate to have such strong volunteer leadership every year,” says Bhavana Varma, President & CEO, United Way KFL&A. “Colonel Hatton brings such wonderful energy and enthusiasm. He is building on a strong foundation and, together with an amazing Campaign Cabinet, all our awesome volunteers, and a caring and generous community, this campaign will be another great success.”
The annual campaign raises funds that are then invested locally in programs that support people in vulnerable situations. As the effects of the pandemic persist and costs rise, United Way KFL&A continues to work collaboratively with agencies and community partners to address the most pressing needs – homelessness, food security, addictions, and mental health.
“Due to inflation, housing cost increases, a general lack of availability of affordable housing, and the ongoing drug crisis, local agencies are noting a rise in both needs and the complexity of needs in the community,” Col. Hatton added. “Individuals in KFL&A are relying on the support made possible through the generosity of donors.”
The 82nd annual United Way KFL&A Campaign will kick off on Friday, September 8th, 2023. Stay tuned for more details.
About United Way KFL&A
United Way Kingston Frontenac Lennox & Addington works closely with community partners to ensure that people have the opportunity to reach their full potential and live with hope, dignity, and a sense of belonging. This vision is realized by building on deep-rooted local community knowledge and relationships to empower people to make an impact.
The United Way raises funds for programs that support immediate needs while also addressing systemic challenges and root causes of issues that impact people locally. Led by volunteers, driven by a small professional staff team, the United Way KFL&A encourages people to get involved, support our most vulnerable, and tackle issues they care about.
United Way KFL&A has once again made the Top 100 Charities in Canada List for according to rankings from Charity Intelligence, a position have held for the past four years. United Way KFL&A received high rankings in results reporting and financial transparency.
Stay up to date by following their social media channels – Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn or visit www.unitedwaykfla.ca
Media Contact:
Mandy Pasch, Director, Marketing and Communications
United Way KFL&A
613-876-3088, marketing@unitedwaykfla.ca
Colonel Sonny T. Hatton, MSM, CD
Commander, Canadian Forces Base Kingston
Colonel Sonny Hatton enrolled in the Canadian Armed Forces in 1994 and was commissioned as an Artillery officer upon graduation from the Royal Military College of Canada (RMC) in 1998. Following graduation, he has served in Shilo, Edmonton, Petawawa (twice), Ottawa (twice), Kansas, Latvia, Israel and Kingston (three times).
Col Hatton has served on operations domestically and abroad, helping fight forest fires in BC and providing security for the G8 Summit in Kananaskis, AB and the G20 Toronto Summit. Internationally, he has deployments in Bosnia, Afghanistan and Latvia.
Col Hatton has commanded at all levels, from the tactical, operational and institutional, including commanding 2nd Regiment Royal Canadian Artillery Regiment in Petawawa, acting as Deputy Commander of the Latvian Mechanized Infantry Brigade (yes Latvian!), and he is now the Commander of CFB Kingston. He has also served in a number of staff roles and has attended staff colleges in the US and Israel.
He holds a bachelor’s degree in Computer Software Engineering and a master’s degree in Defence Engineering and Management from RMC. He also holds a master’s degree in Military Arts and Science from the US Army School of Advanced Military Studies and a master’s degree in Political Science from the University of Haifa.
Having spent three postings and one-third of his 28-year career in Kingston, Colonel Hatton considers the city his second home. He is happily married to Chantal Hatton going on 20 years and they have one child who attends Kingston Secondary School.
