We at the United Way of Sarnia-Lambton are so grateful and appreciative of the generosity of every contributor, sponsor, volunteer, and local media for your support of the 2024 fundraising campaign. The United Way campaign is literally a community-wide effort and with your support, we are able to continue to fund the 29 programs and services provided by our 17 locally funded agencies. Thank you!
From Poverty To Possibility
United Way is helping people move out of, or avoid, the cycle of poverty with access to nutritious, affordable and appropriate food security and with supports to access emergency shelters and to maintain safe and stable housing.
All That Kids Can Be
Investing in kids so they can succeed in school and develop supportive relationships. Giving children and youth the support they need to make healthy choices and to better handle life’s challenges.
Healthy People, Strong Communities
United Way is creating a strong, inclusive community connecting people of all ages to supports for their personal wellbeing – from addiction and mental health supports to helping seniors live independently.
2025 – 2026 Community Investments
Thank you Sarnia-Lambton for helping us reach 100% of our 2024 Goal. The United Way of Sarnia-Lambton volunteer Board of Directors has announced the 2024 campaign achievement of $1,489,558. Thank you to all our volunteers and donors who made this campaign such a success.
United Way Announces 2025-2026 Community Investments
For Immediate Release – January 17, 2025
After a successful 2024 campaign that reached 100.2% of its goal of $1,487,000, the United Way of Sarnia-Lambton was able to escape having to reduce valuable community programming.
This past week, the volunteer Board of Directors approved the 2025 – 2026 Community Investments to 28 programs in Sarnia-Lambton. This funding portfolio maintains 27 existing funded programs, and an increase to 1 funded program. United Way is also currently funding a Critical Services Grant for Family Support Services through Children’s Aid Society that will end on March 31, 2025.
The volunteer Community Investment Committee reviews all program applications for funding in detail, which includes reviewing past program results. Once the campaign achievement is known the committee then makes funding recommendations to the volunteer Board of Directors.
“Last year United Way funding supported programs that directly impacted 23,000 people which is about 17% of the Lambton County population,” said Gerry Whitcombe, volunteer Community Investment Committee Chair. “In addition, 77,000 volunteer hours were directly contributed to these programs over the past year, that is equivalent to over five years of fulltime work. Our community is very generous in many ways. We are so grateful to all donors, supporters and volunteers who ensure that these programs are there for those most in need in Sarnia – Lambton” said Whitcombe.
The current portfolio of United Way funding is as follows;
Poverty to Possibility – 47% of available funding
Healthy People, Strong Communities – 23% of available funding
All That Kids Can Be – 30% of available funding
An increase of $4,800 was awarded to the BGC (Boys & Girls Club) Summer Day Camp to help with the growing number of kids needing care. This program is now run out of 3 locations, 2 in Sarnia and 1 in Forest.
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For further information, please contact:
Pamela Bodkin, Executive Director (519) 336-5452 Ext.5 or email [email protected]
Gerry Whitcombe, Volunteer Community Investment Chair 519-466-6135
Community Investments 2025 to 2026
Big Brothers Big Sisters Matching Program 80000
Big Brothers Big Sisters Big Bunch 20000
Big Brothers Big Sisters Go Girls & Game On 30000
Big Brothers Big Sisters In School Mentoring 18000
BGC (Boys & Girls Club) Out of School Programs 94907
BGC (Boys & Girls Club) Summer Program 16800
Canadian Red Cross Meals on Wheels 31000
Canadian Red Cross Transportation 58000
Canadian Red Cross Homeward Bound 30000
Family Counselling Centre Counselling 87000
Family Counselling Centre Tel Check 13000
Habitat for Humanity Handyman Program 15000
Inn of the Good Shepherd Income Tax Clinics 33000
John Howard Society Rapid Housing 70000
Lambton Elderly Outreach Transportation 55000
Lambton Elderly Outreach Meals on Wheels 16600
New Beginnings, ABI & Stroke Recovery Community Integration 20000
North Lambton CHC Opening Doors (Sarnia & Forest) 60000
Rebound Early Intervention & Prevention 50000
River City Vineyard Safety and Security Program 71398
Salvation Army Rent/Utility Assistance 40000
Salvation Army Dental Assistance 10000
Salvation Army Medical & RX Assistance 10000
Salvation Army Hearing Aid Assistance 10000
VON School Food Delivery 16650
Walpole Island First Nation Warming Shelter 55000
YMCA Resource Houses 93600
YMCA Autism Summer Camp 30000
Additional Community Investments
United Way Direct Community Services 185000
Donor Option to Other Agencies 93017
