United Way KFL&A aims to raise $3.8 million in fall “Local Love” campaign
Vulnerable individuals need our support more than ever, says campaign chair

KINGSTON, ON (September 9, 2022) – United Way KFL&A will aim to raise a record $3,808,000 during its annual fall fundraising campaign. The ambitious fundraising goal, which is kept under tight wraps until the campaign kickoff breakfast, was revealed this morning in a hybrid event at St. Lawrence College, with some 250 volunteers attending in person and another 40 via Zoom. It was the first time the fundraising goal “reveal” has been held in person since 2019.

“Kickoff is always an exciting event,” said Jane Lapointe, 2022 United Way Campaign Chair. “Our Campaign Cabinet volunteers have been hard at work since early in the year, laying the groundwork for a strong campaign.”

The 2022 Campaign Goal represents an increase of $200,000 over last year’s goal and reflects the growing needs in the community during challenging times, she said.

“As a community, we are seeing more people who need food and secure housing, and who are often facing mental health and addictions challenges. And we are all feeling pressure as the cost of living increases,” said Lapointe. “As the pandemic continues, we need to act at a local level to support individuals who are vulnerable. They need our support now more than ever − every donation makes an impact.”

Today’s hybrid announcement reflects possible changes in the way the campaign may be run this year, as more employers return to the workplace.

“We anticipate a few more [fundraising] events this year and, of course, the same amazing support from our workplace supporters,” said Lapointe. “I see every day how caring this community is, and I invite everyone to join us and show your local love by donating if you can.”

The renewal of two Leadership Challenge Grants was also announced at today’s kickoff breakfast. Under one grant, donors who give at the Leadership level − giving $1,200 or more for the first time − will have their donation matched by an anonymous Kingston couple, both passionate United Way supporters. Donors who are already “Leaders of the Way” and add at least 10% to their previous year’s gift will also see their increased donation matched under the Leadership Grant.

The other renewed grant, called the Women United Challenge Grant, is generously donated by Jessica Bayne Hogan and specifically encourages women to donate at the leadership level, becoming part of “Women United.”

“I was delighted to extend this additional matching grant to the incredible women of our community once again,” said Bayne Hogan. “Over the past few years I have had the pleasure of co-chairing Women United and have been awed and inspired by the level of compassion, engagement and genuine interest of the women involved in asking how can we do better as a community to fill existing gaps and support all of those in our community.”

During last year’s campaign, 635 people participated in the Leadership Challenge Grant. Together, their donations combined with matching funds raised 57% of the campaign total.

“We are so grateful for this amazing support from our anonymous Leadership Challenge Grant couple and from Jessica Bayne Hogan for the Women United Challenge Grant,” said Lapointe. “These grants really helped the community reach last year’s campaign goal, with $2.2 million in donations coming from leadership donors.”

The 12-week campaign wraps up November 24, 2022. For more information and updates, please visit www.unitedwaykfla.ca.

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About United Way of KFL&A
United Way of Kingston Frontenac Lennox & Addington works closely with the community 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 root causes of issues that impact people locally. Led by volunteers, driven by a small professional staff team, the United Way of KFL&A provides opportunities for people to get involved and support people in need, and issues they care about.

Stay up to date by following our social media channels – Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn or visit www.unitedwaykfla.ca

For information please call 613-542-2674, email uway@unitedwaykfla.ca 

Media Contact:
Mandy Pasch, Director, Marketing and Communications
United Way KFL&A
613-876-3088, marketing@unitedwaykfla.ca