As the campaign planning for the United Way switches into a faster gear, so too does the community investment process, the process that determines what agencies receive how much money.
“We are in the third and final year of our three-year funding agreement with our current 18 funded agencies, “ said President, Jason Killingsworth.
“The community investment process is just now underway, and the first step is a Letter of Intent, open to any eligible charitable organization in Sarnia-Lambton,” he said.
“I want to encourage any charitable organization that provide services in Sarnia-Lambton that addresses our intended priorities to consider applying to the United Way for funding. The process is simple, visit the United Way website and follow the links to the brief questionnaire to determine eligibility. Alternatively, I also encourage you to call the United Way office or email [email protected], for more information or clarification.
Killingsworth said that the United Way has re-focused its funding priorities and is prioritizing those agencies that provide services to those marginalized individuals who are in poverty or in fear of living in poverty, youth programs enabling kids to reach their full potential, and healthy individuals, strong communities which includes mental health, seniors programming, and other preventative medical services.
Killingsworth said that once eligibility is determined with the Letter of Intent and confirmed, those agencies will be asked to submit a full request for funding proposal, including a detailed budget late this summer and early fall. He encouraged any agencies whether they were funded previously by the United Way or not, to consider applying or at least seek further information.
The United Way website can be visited at www.theunitedway.on.ca.
Killingsworth added that the link to the online form can also be emailed to any interested group, volunteer board or staff.
Funding decisions will be made by the United Way of Sarnia-Lambton Board of Directors in January 2022 and funding will begin April 1, 2022.
Killingsworth also pointed out that the United Way provides critical service grants, to agencies requiring funding immediately, to meet a new or growing need in our community. Those forms can also be accessed from the United Way website, or by calling or emailing the United way at 519-336-5452. “Most recently, we have approved funding in the last couple of months for the Warming Shelter at Walpole. Island, First Nations, River City Vineyard, St. Vincent DePaul, and a handyman/handywoman program at Habitat for Humanity in Sarnia Lambton.
It is with regret that we’ve had to make the decision to cancel the 2021 Day of Caring, a service we had provided the community for more than 25 years. After canceling the event last year, we had hoped to provide the service this year, enabling up to 250 volunteers in our community to assemble and assist the homes of seniors and those with disabilities, and agencies with regular maintenance or light repairs. We were pleased to provide funding to the Habitat program that will help fill what gaps might have occurred as a result of the Day of Caring cancellation.
Top Shelf Canada, makers of the popular Front Street Heat, will be partnering with the United Way movement across Canada again this summer. In 2020, Top Shelf Canada donated one dollar for every bottle of Front Street Heat sold during the summer to the United Way in the city in which the bottle was sold.
Joshua Lines, President of Top Shelf Canada said they wanted to do something a little this year and rather than offer the same promotion as last year, but still raise money for the United Way movement across Canada. Top Shelf Canada will be unveiling a new line of apparel, and will be donating $5 from each sale of apparel including T-shirts, hoodies, and hats to United Ways in Canada based on a similar distribution.
To order your shirts or to view the available designs, visit: https://frontstreetheat.com. Links will also be available from all United Way of Sarnia-Lambton social media and it’s own website. All apparel is available in multiple colours including red and white; the perfect Canada Day outfit for this summer.
Later this month, the United Way of Sarnia-Lambton will announce it’s 2021 campaign goal, and will announce it to the public in early August, as it begins its direct mail mail out.
Currently, the United Way is meeting with industry, businesses, and labor groups, to discuss the upcoming campaign in their work sites.
As of June 1, the United Way is funding 22 agencies, (including the Critical Service grant agencies), that are providing almost 40 local programs and services throughout Sarnia and Lambton County.
Top Shelf Canada has announced a new United Way promotion for this summer. Adina Melanson and Josh Lines shows United Way Board Member, and President of CUPE 1238 Michele LaLonge-Davey some of the several t-shirt designers that are available shortly for purchase. United Ways in Canada will receive $ 5 from each clothing item sold during the 2021 summer.
