Column for December 4
The United Way is continuing to lag last year’s progress despite having recently reaching the $1 million mark. The 2021 fundraising campaign is currently sitting at $1,030,000, representing 59% of the $1.75 million goal.
“We are so pleased to be at the $1 million mark, but we know we have such a long way to go in only five weeks,” said campaign chair Vicky Ducharme. “We still have a few campaigns that are running and many that are just wrapping up,” she said.
Worley kicked off their employee fundraising at its Sarnia office, which is also coordinating campaigns in other regions as well. To help kickoff the local Worley campaign, the fundraising team organized a “Pie Toss” in which several managers volunteered to catch a pie in the face from employees to raise money and awareness of the campaign.
NOVA Chemicals and ARLANXEO are two other larger manufacturing campaigns that are now wrapped up, and the final totals should be known shortly. “Those companies, like the Worley campaign, will have matching corporate donations as well so we are hopeful that they finish strong,” she said.
“Our focus right now is to do everything that we can to complete the campaigns that are still running, successfully, and concentrate on individual donors who contributed in the past who have not yet contributed this year. We still have a number of very generous donors who have not committed yet and they usually wait until near the end of the drive,” Ducharme said. New donors have also been visiting the United Way office to donate. “Our donors are asking questions and spreading the news of the work that is being accomplished in the community with United Way funding. This in turn is bringing new donors through the United Way doors.”
As the end of the year approaches Ducharme said it is common for donors to make a charitable gift to end the giving season. In fact, many donations will come in between December 29-31. “The local donation portal on United Way of Sarnia-Lambton’s website is a quick and easy way to donate and is always available. Donations are welcome at www.theunitedway.on.ca, and follow the links.” Ducharme said people can also call the office at 519-336-5452 or stop by the office at 1362 Lambton Mall Road, just two doors down from Mall Road Library.
Currently, 20 agencies that provide over 40 programs and services throughout Lambton County depend on the United Way for annual funding. Agencies assist those living in or near poverty, child and youth support services, seniors programming and mental health supports.
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Photo Caption:
Sean Burke gets pie’d by Lauren Verwegen at Worley in Sarnia in support of the United Way employee campaign. Albert Kobe looks on knowing his turn is next. The employee campaign at Worley is wrapping up soon, and employees are encouraged to get their United Way contributions in to take advantage of the company match. 
