United Way Kicks Off 2015 Campaign
$3.4 million goal announced
KINGSTON, ON (September 11, 2015) – In front of a packed crowd at the annual kickoff breakfast, United Way campaign chair, Mike Ryan, announced this year’s campaign goal reminding people of the impact their donations have on people in our community.
To demonstrate the power of their collective donations, volunteers at the event held up signs with the names of the 69 programs supported this year by the United Way.
Addressing the crowd at a sold-out event sponsored by the Ambassador Resort and Conference Centre and TyRoute Telus, Mike Ryan commented on how impressed he is with the dedication and passion of the thousands of volunteers who raise funds to help local agencies support people in our community. He thanked agencies for the work they do every day, supporting 75,000 people in Kingston, Frontenac, Lennox & Addington.
“The United Way is about bringing hope to people at a time when they may not have much else,” Ryan said. “Together, we have the power to change people’s lives positively. I am confident we will be successful and can continue to help people of all ages.”
“We change as the community changes,” Ryan added. “We have a number of new initiatives in place that build on existing strengths and reach into the future.”
This year, United Way has introduced new ways of giving through e-pledge and mobile giving. Additionally, community leaders have come together with a Retiree Taskforce and a Technology Sector taskforce to provide recommendations on how to address changing times and demographics
The United Way’s Next Gen initiative, made up of volunteers under the age of 40, is encouraging a new generation of philanthropy in the community. Leadership giving (donations of $1,200 or more a year) is the fastest growing area of the campaign and continues to be a focus. Once again this year, John and Diana Weatherall have generously provided a Leadership Challenge Grant to encourage people to give at this level.
The campaign runs for the next 12 weeks. 75% of funds are raised from workplace campaigns and the balance is donated by individuals in the community and a few community events.
About United Way of KFL&A
United Way works with individuals, organizations and key partners to build and strengthen our community, bringing people and resources together to support a network of agencies that help people when they need it the most. United Way also addresses the root causes of social issues, changing community conditions for the better over the long term. Our vision is a future where people are self-sufficient in a community, where individuals live with hope, dignity and a sense of belonging. Visit www.unitedwaykfla.ca for more information.
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Media Contacts:
Bhavana Varma, United Way of KFL&A, 613-542-2674, ext. 1101, bvarma@unitedwaykfla.ca
Stephen Hogan, Correctional Service Canada, 613-545-8311, Stephen.Hogan@csc-scc.gc.ca
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