Now beaming with a smile, 21 year old Larissa Avery has turned her life around, with the help of services available through the United Way.
Larissa Avery
“I’ve been through sexual and physical abuse by both my parents since I was 7, until I turned 16. I was kicked out as a result of all of this. I ended up on the streets in Belleville and in Kingston.’
A journey that many can’t understand, but one that a surprising number of youth can relate to.
Larissa Avery
“It was difficult. It was physically challenging. And, mentally it broke me down. I didn’t know what I was going to do.”
Avry went to the Kingston Youth Shelter – and from there was given the right tools to help her finish high school and find a place to call home.
Now she stands in front of a large crowd at the United Way breakfast sharing her story. An event to announce a 12 week campaign goal to help others in similar situations.
Announcement: “Our fundraising goal is 3.45 million dollars”
Shannon Bradbury
“The fundraising goal equals out to about $65,500 a day. 70 per cent of the money comes from workplaces, many who announced their fundraising goals for the campaign during the event.”
Pat Murphy, Campaign Cabinet Member
“3.4 million dollars coming from Kingston is a big number and we need everybody to pitch in to make that goal. We have a small community, but we have a tight community.”
Bhavana Varma, President & CEO United Way KFL&A
“75 thousand people are helped in a year by services funded by the United Way. That’s a powerful piece. I have no doubt everyone in this room today knows someone or has themselves accessed a service.”
Of those helped last year, over 23 thousand were children or youth. Avery is proof your funds can help.
“I’m happy, I’m smiling. I can’t stop smiling. I’m happy.”
Whether it’s a contribution of a few dollars or a workplace goal of 20 thousand dollars, it all adds up and can help change a life.
Article Credit:
Shannon Bradbury CKWS Newswatch Kingston.
Kingston, ON, Canada / CKWS TV
CKWS Newswatch
September 09, 2016 02:58 pm
http://www.ckwstv.com/2016/09/09/inspiring-story-and-ambitious-goal-highlights-of-united-way-breakfast/#.V9MmAfkTJTE.twitter
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