After exceeding its campaign target for the first time in several years in 2023, Sarnia-Lambton’s United Way has a modestly larger aim in mind.
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The agency’s recently announced $1.5-million, 2024 campaign goal is slightly up from last year’s $1.4-million mark, and about one per cent more than what was collected last year — around $1.47 million.
While the local need for agency funding has continued to grow “we were wary of asking too much of the community,” said campaign chair Mike Edgar.
“We thought that one-per-cent increase was probably a decent way to split the difference in recognizing the increased need, but not coming across too heavy with the ask.”
The United Way funds 29 programs at 17 local agencies, with a focus on poverty reduction, mental health initiatives, and youth and seniors, Edgar said.
Examples include River City Vineyard, a Walpole Island warming shelter, various programs through the Salvation Army, and Meals on Wheels and transportation services for seniors and people with disabilities, officials said in a news release.
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“A big piece of our funding is being used for poverty reduction and trying to prevent people and families from going into poverty and possibly becoming homeless,” Edgar said in a statement.
About $300,000 has been raised so far ahead of the Sept. 17 official kickoff — the annual day of caring, where volunteers help out with maintenance projects for seniors, businesses and people with disabilities, Edgar said.
Meanwhile, what organizer’s call the unofficial start, the annual Sarnia Sting Black and White exhibition game at the Progressive Auto Sales Arena, is scheduled Saturday, with puck drop at 4 pm
Last year’s raised $5,000 toward the cause.
“I think the community gets pretty excited about it and there’ll be hopefully a lot of people out,” Edgar said.
Admission is by donation, and people are also encouraged to buy 50-50 and raffle tickets to help the cause.
“We could use some volunteers, if anybody is interested,” Edgar said, inviting people to call him if interested at 226-349-3462.
“But looking forward to a good crowd out there and some good energy to get the campaign kicked off,” he said.
The campaign continues until Dec. 31.
For more information, visit theunitedway.on.ca or call 519-336-5452.
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