United Way column for Observer, Saturday, August 27, 2022

United Way column for Saturday, August 27, 2022

 

The United Way of Sarnia-Lambton is gearing up for the 2022 campaign, and while it is a few shorts weeks away from the official Day of Caring kick off, the fundraising has already begun.

 

Earlier this week, the United Way of Sarnia-Lambton announced that the 2022 campaign Need is $1,650,000, approximately what was raised last year. “Over 30 programs and services funded by United Way are in need, we set our target to match what we are currently funding,” said Vicky Ducharme, the 2022 campaign chair .

 

“We know it’s going to be a challenging campaign year, and while we’re seeing early positive signs, we are being realistic.  Raising $1,650,000 will help local non profits provide the quality programs and services that are so needed in our community,” Ducharme added.

 

So many of our agencies that rely on United Way funding are also feeling the pinch from the rising cost of food and fuel, while a growing number of their clients and families are also struggling. Ducharme noted that everyone really needs an extra hand right now, and the campaign need is reflective of that. 

Ducharme said that she’s looking forward to this fall’s campaign, with the return of a more traditional style fundraising campaign.

 

“We are very excited about two upcoming events, one of which is the annual Sarnia Sting Black and White exhibition game, that will take place on Friday, September 2, 2022 at the Progessive Auto Sales arena, and the other big event is returning after its hiatus, the Enbridge United Way classic car show scheduled for Saturday, September 10, 2022,” she said.

 

Puck drop for the Sarnia Sting Black and White game is 6 PM on Friday, and like in previous years, admission is a donation at the door, and there will be a 50-50 draw.  “This is a great opportunity to bring the family out to a cost effective evening to stay cool the end of summer, and Sarnia Sting fans will get their first opportunity to gauge this year’s club,” Ducharme said.

 

As previously announced, the Enbridge United Way classic car show will take place at the Western Ontario Research Park at 1086 Modeland Rd. in Sarnia on Saturday, September 10, 2022. The fun and excitement will begin at 9 AM, and will run until 2 PM. Please register your classic car or a vehicle the morning of the event, and admission is only $10 per car. Attendance is free to those who want to come out and see the cars firsthand, talk to their owners, and participate in any of the draws, or BBQ.

 

So far, the United Way has mailed out a few thousand letters for this fall, and results to date have been good.  “We have raised almost $290,000 which is right on schedule to where we were at last year at this time; that represents about 17% of our 2022 Campaign Need,” she said.  Another 3500 letters are going out to retirees, professionals, and other individuals who have given in past years through the mail. Ducharme said she hoped that the United Way might be at or near the 25% mark by the time the campaign officially kicks off on September 20 with the Day of Caring.

 

 

——30——

 

PHoto Caption

 

Vicky Ducharme, the 2022 United Way campaign Chair meets wth Sarnia Sting mascot Buzz, to finalize details the traditional Sarnia Sting United Way Black and White hockey game to be played at 6:00 PM, Friday, September 2, at the Progressive Auto Sales Arena in Sarnia; admission is by donation.  Both Buzz and Ducharme wished each other all the best in their respective upcoming seasons.