Observer column, , Dec 18, 2021
The United Way of Sarnia-Lambton has a surpassed the $1.35 million mark of its annual fall campaign, with only a few days remaining.
“Our campaign technically runs until December 31 at midnight, and so we’re hoping to bridge the gap toward the $1.75 million goal as much as we possibly can over the remaining 10 days, “said Vicky Ducharme, the 2021 campaign chair.
Ducharme said the United Way has reached 77% of its 2021 target, and currently funds 20 agencies that provide 40 programs and services to the Sarnia Lambton community.
“We still have a few employee campaigns to wrap up, so we are hopeful there will be a significant number of dollars committed to the United Way before year end,” she said. “We know that the Covid-19 pandemic and the increasing inflation has impacted not only those living with low incomes, but also for the agencies that provide services to our community,” she said.
“Historically, we know that the final 48 to 72 hours of the year, is a popular time where many donors make their year-end donations. We are hopeful that again this year, several more donors will continue with the tradition and support our community through the United Way at that time,” Ducharme added.
There are several ways donors can get their contributions in to be eligible for a charitable gift receipt that can be used for 2021 income tax purposes.
“Donors can visit the United Way website at www.theunitedway.on.ca and click “Donate Now”. As well, any donations through the mail must be postmarked by December 31, 2021, and any cheques must be dated 2021. “We don’t necessarily have to receive the donations through the mail by January 1, CRA gives us a week or so leeway to make sure all contributions that have been mailed, make their way to the United Way. The important thing is to have the cheques mailed by and dated December 2021”, she said.
Much of the campaign growth over the past week was largely due to the NOVA employee and retiree campaign. The NOVA Chemicals corporate match amount will be presented shortly. “We are delighted that the employees and retirees of NOVA came through for us again this year, and brought us up to the 77% level,” Ducharme said.
The Lambton College employee campaign and the Bluewater Health employees each wrapped up their online campaigns this week. A number of funded agencies also wrapped up their campaigns including Lambton Elderly Outreach, Big Brothers Big Sisters, and the YMCA in Sarnia and Petrolia.
“I want to express our thanks too to Main Street Credit Union and their staff who generously supported the United Way of Sarnia-Lambton with the completion of their campaign,” said Ducharme, “Mainstreet and the staff team have been great supporters of the community through the United Way for several years and we thankful for their continued their support.”
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Photo caption:
Campaign chair Vicky Ducharme updates the United Way thermometer to 77%, with only 10 days remaining until the end of the year. The United Way goal is $1,750,000, and she’s counting on a number of last minute donors who often wait until near the end of the year. To donate, please visit www.theunitedway.on.ca, or call 519-336-5452.
