Observer column, Dec 25, 2021
Now having reached the 90% mark of the campaign, the United Way is focused on reminding those donors who plan to make a gift do so, by the end of the year.
“Thanks to a number of employee groups and workplaces, we are delighted to be at 90% of the $1,750,000 goal,” said Campaign Chair Vicky Ducharme.
Several local agencies are dependant on the United Way to fund high need programs and services in Sarnia-Lambton.
One of the funded agencies is Lambton Elderly Outreach (LEO). United Way provides funding to LEO so the agency is able to offer subsidized rates for their Meals on Wheels program. This program has seen a 230% increase in numbers over the past 18 months. According to the LEO, in 2020 they provided approximately 35,034 meals to clients throughout Sarnia-Lambton. Throughout the pandemic LEO was the only transportation service provider in Sarnia-Lambton and again because of funding received through the United Way they were able to continue to offer this service at a subsidized rate. In the last fiscal year, LEO provided 1573 clients 33,426 one-way trips.
LEO is currently receiving $74,600 from the United Way of Sarnia-Lambton to offer subsidized Transportation and Meals on Wheels, largely to rural residents.
This week, members from the Sarnia Homebuilders continued with their extraordinary campaign support which helped boost the campaign tally today to the 90% level. This comes on the heels of NOVA Chemicals wrapping up their employee campaign and Corporate Match.
“We have had a number of donors who increased their contribution this year, and many provided additional donations to this year’s drive. We are extremely grateful and appreciative of your generosity, and confidence in the United Way to help those most in need in our community,” Ducharme said.
Ducharme said the agricultural community also really helped out again this year with the campaign, including the Lambton Federation of Agriculture, the Lambton Cattlemen’s Association and the Lambton County Pork Producers. In addition, The United Way frozen take out meal last month raised nearly $3,000 thanks in part to the local beef and pork producers.
Individuals looking to make a donation to the United Way by the end of the year will be eligible for a charitable gift receipt for the 2021 tax year.
“I encourage local residents to call the United Way office at 519-336-5452, or online at www.theunitedway.on.ca and click “Donate Now”, said Ducharme.
Donors can also donate at the United Way office at 1362 Lambton Mall Road, Unit 10, two doors down from Kumon Learning Centre. If the United Way office is closed, donations can be dropped in the Kumon mail slot. Kumon has been a good friend to the United Way since we moved to the Lambton Mall Road office and they are willing to accept donations on behalf of the United Way,” said Ducharme.
Photo caption
LEO transportation driver Stephanie Bright swings by CF Industries in Courtright, and shares information on the need for LEO services in the local community, funded by the United Way of Sarnia-Lambton. Greg Kennette CF Industries GM and Davina Anderson, HR Manager present their final campaign totals while learning of the programs offered to nearby residents. CF Industries matched all employee contributions and as always ran a very successful employee campaign.
