United Way Column for Saturday, November 26.
As GivingTuesday approaches on Tuesday, November 29, 2022, United Way wants to remind all those in Sarnia-Lambton who have not yet contributed to the United Way, Tuesday that is an excellent opportunity to do so.
“GivingTuesday is a very popular day for charity throughout North America, and as always follows Black Friday, small business Saturday, and Cyber Monday,” said Campaign Chair Vicky Ducharme. “GivingTuesday is a day that we remind residents that there are people in our community who are far less fortunate than many of us, and after our Christmas shopping has begun, it’s a good time to pause, and think about how we might help make their lives a little better, “Ducharme added.
According to GivingTuesday.ca, GivingTuesday was created in 2012 as a simple idea: a day that encourages people to do good. The idea caught on, and has grown around the world, inspiring hundreds of millions of people to give, collaborate, and celebrate generosity.
GivingTuesday was founded in 2013 in Canada by CanadaHelps.org, GIV3 and several other founding partners. GivingTuesday has active movements in more than 80 countries, working year-round to inspire generosity around the world, with a common mission to create a world where giving is part of everyday life.
Last year, GivingTuesday was held on November 30, 2021 and, more than 43 Million was donated to community charities in Canada alone.
Ducharme said local residents like to support local farms, local businesses, and local charities. Since I have been involved with the United Way and I have talk with many people, I know people like to support people here in our community and in my opinion, United Way is probably the best way to do that largely because there are over 18 agencies that provide more than 30 programs and services with your one contribution,” she said.
November 29, 2022 is also the Dante Club Frozen Meals pick up event. Sarnia-Lambton residents are encouraged to log on to the United Way of Sarnia-Lambton website and order frozen dinners that can be eaten later in the week, or frozen for use during the holidays when friends and families stop by.
“I encourage everybody to visit the United Way of Sarnia-Lambton website at www.theunitedway.on.ca to make their contribution to the United Way on GivingTuesday, (or any day), and/or to order their frozen meals.
Lasagna, rigatoni, al forno, cabbage rolls, and even chicken and beef pot. The frozen meal event with the Dante Club, is sponsored by Libro, Credit Union, the Lambton Cattleman, Lambton Pork, and Berry Hill Farms in Warwick.
Currently, the United Way has surpassed the 50% mark of the $1.65 million needs target, and has raised $835,000 for this year’s drive, with just five weeks remaining.
“We are falling a little behind last year’s pace, however, there are still many large employee campaigns that are still running, and others are yet to kick off, which is traditional in their workplaces. As a result, we’re anticipating some strong growth in our campaign achievement to date in the next week or so,” Ducharme said.
“We are in the midst of doing follow ups for people who have donated in the past but not yet this year, including many at the workplace,” Ducharme said.
The United Way of Sarnia-Lambton campaign will run until the end of the year and all donations are eligible for a tax credit in Canada.
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Photo Caption:
Carol Turner, Lehrend Reyes, Penny Hartnett, Lynnette VanLandeghem from New Beginnings, ABI, Stroke Recovery, a funded agency of the United Way prepare the first orders of their annual United Way Fundraising Spaghetti Lunch. New Beginnings receives $20,000 from the United Way to provide a variety of services to those residents, and their families, who may have suffered a stroke or brain injury.
