COVID-19 Update from United Way of KFL&A – November 30th

Good afternoon! Hope you are staying safe and well. It is the last day of November and with that another United Way KFL&A campaign has wrapped up!

In this week’s update you’ll learn what was raised through this year’s successful campaign, details about an upcoming donation drive in the community and a thank you to both Women United and Retirees United members for their efforts this year.

CAMPAIGN SUCCESS

On November 26^th, 2020, United Way KFL&A wrapped up the 2020 fundraising campaign with a virtual touchdown event. I hope you were able to tune in, but if not, you can view the entire event here. Special thanks to this year’s amazing Campaign Chair, Chief Antje McNeely, longtime volunteer Pat Murphy for hosting, Ronda Candy from Martha’s Table, and to all the dignitaries that were able to join – and all those who were able to join virtually. It wasn’t the same as being together in person, but it was close.

In September, the United Way KFL&A announced an ambitious goal of $2.9 million and last week that goal was surpassed with the community raising $3,180,301.

In addition to surpassing the campaign goal, community members have donated $367,367 since the beginning of the COVID-19 Pandemic through the COVID-19 Response Fund. This brings the total raised by the community to $3,547,668 during this challenging and unprecedented year. You can read the full announcement here.

This amazing achievement is a testament to our community and the generosity of so many. These fund will allow agencies to keep doing the vital work they are doing during and after the pandemic. You may have read my Letter to the Editor last week that was published in both the Kingston Whig-Standard and on the Kingstonist website. You can view the full letter here.

Thank you to every one of you who made this year’s campaign another success. As we wrap up this year’s campaign with gratitude, we acknowledge the need continues.

The United Way Board of Directors, Campaign Cabinet and staff are working on plans for 2021 to address the growing and critical needs faced by local agencies.

COMMUNITY INVESTMENT FUND

Each year, United Way KFL&A partners with the City of Kingston to disburse one-time grants through the Community Investment Fund. These grants encourage innovative and collaborative responses to social needs in our community and applicants can apply for grants of up to $25,000.

This year, online submissions are being accepted until Friday, January 22, 2021

Agencies in the community can also learn more at an upcoming virtual information session on Thursday, December 10 from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. For more information about the grants and the session visit https://www.unitedwaykfla.ca/funding/

COMMUNITY DONATION DRIVE

United Way KFL&A is partnering with the Kingston Frontenacs and the Leon’s Centre for a community donation drive in December. Both teams were looking for ways to help out in the community during these challenging times and they have been kind enough to open up their box office for community donations from December 7 – 11^th and December 14 – 18^th from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Bins will be set up at Gate 4 at the Leon’s Centre, The Tragically Hip Way, to collect donations of warm clothing including coats, hats, mitts, socks, boots, scarves, gently used children’s clothing and boots, hygiene items and non-perishable food.

It is clear that people are looking for ways to help the most vulnerable members, during the pandemic and into the holiday season. We know many of you have drives in your own workplaces or with family and friends. Please collect and drop off during the days above if you can.

For more details and a list of items to donate visit https://www.unitedwaykfla.ca/communitydonationdrive/

THANK YOU WOMEN UNITED AND RETIREES UNITED

Lastly, a big thank you to United Way KFL&A’s Retirees United and Women United groups. Both of these groups typically thrive on in person gatherings and events. But their commitment to the United Way and the community have been unwavering.

Retirees United works hard to support and grow retiree campaigns in workplaces. More information can be found at https://www.unitedwaykfla.ca/retireesunited/. Additionally, committee members worked on the development and design of the very successful Seniors’ Food Boxes and continue to volunteer to connect with seniors on low-income who receive these boxes.

Last month, Retirees United Chair Jim Parker and his committee organized a unique event with members of the Royal George residence. Typically, residents would gather for a Seeing is Believing tour and reception, but this year, the tour and treats came to them with a virtual Zoom tour and picnic. The event was a great success and helped connect the members of this group. You can view the full event here.

On November 18^th, Women United held their final panel discussion of the year focused on Food Security. It was an engaging evening and one that almost replaced the joy of being together in person…almost. As we all adapt to this new normal, the Women United committee, with special thanks to both co-chairs, Jane Lapointe and Jessica Bayne Hogan, has continued to provide opportunities for women to learn more about the issues facing community members. To see the most recent panel click here. And to learn more about Women United visit https://www.unitedwaykfla.ca/womenunited/

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

Thank you! Your support is changing lives impacted by this pandemic.

Take care. Stay safe and well!