The United Way of Sarnia-Lambton campaign doesn’t officially kickoff until September, but there are a few strategies set in place to get the campaign going early.
“I’m pleased to say, that we have already started fundraising, and a number of groups including area professionals have already received their opportunities to donate in the mail, and many have done so,” said Campaign Chair Vicky Ducharme.
“We will be announcing our campaign goal near the end of July, this is a little earlier than when we traditionally announce it. This will give us extra time to prepare and build on the early fundraising momentum that we’ve already seen for this year’s drive,” she said.
Ducharme highlighted On The Dot Sarnia, who have committed again this year to run a United Way bottle drive. Ducharme said last year’s On The Dot bottle drive raised over $3050 for the local United Way.
If anyone has bottles or cans that they would like to donate, please contact On The Dot Sarnia at (519) 383-5566, or email the United Way at [email protected]. On The Dot Sarnia, will make arrangements to pick up the bottles and cans at a time and location that is convenient to the donor. Ducharme pointed out many donors left their donated bottles on their porch, or in front of their garage, for pick up last year.
Additionally, people who want to drop off their donations of cans and bottles can do so at the Christo’s parking lot on the corner of Capel and Exmouth Streets in Sarnia on Sunday, August 15, 2021, between 10 AM, and 4 PM. Christo’s have offered their support for the event, and will offer a Pizza Kit Fundraiser later in the year.
Ducharme wanted to remind Front Street Heat customers that they can purchase Top Shelf Canada apparel at https://frontstreetheat.com/collections/apparel any time during the summer and fall, with Top Shelf Canada donating five dollars from every sale. “A variety of T-shirts and tank tops, styles and colours as well as ball caps are available,” Ducharme said.
Ducharme said this will be a difficult campaign year, but the United Way is planning a number of strategies that they hope will result in a successful fundraising drive this year. “I look forward to announcing some of those announcements and changes as early as next month as we kick off the activities,” she said.
Traditionally, the United Way kicks off its annual fall campaign with the Day Of Caring, but as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the United Way had to make the difficult decision to cancel the Day Of Caring for a second consecutive year. “We are hopeful we will be in a position to provide the Day Of Caring for so many individuals and seniors who need help with maintenance and light repairs to their homes, in 2022,” Ducharme said.
Ducharme suggested the donors interested in up to date information on the United Way, now and in the future, to log on to the United Way of Sarnia- Lambton website at www.theunitedway.on.ca, or follow the United Way of Sarnia-Lambton social media posts on Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram and Twitter. Ducharme also pointed out that the United Way of Sarnia-Lambton has a local YouTube channel which currently has more than a dozen videos on how local residents have been served, and a dozen more videos will be uploaded in August.
On the Dot Sarnia owners Paul and Molly Hartman get an early start on the 2021 On The Dot Sarnia bottle drive in support of the United Way of Sarnia-Lambton. Last year’s bottle drive raised over $3050 for the United Way of Sarnia-Lambton campaign. Donate cans or bottles, please call 519 383-5566, or email, [email protected] to arrange a drop off location, or a date and time for pick up. Christina Skillas, Christo’s Co-owner, and Christo’s Manager Chelsea Hill have offered their assistance and will announce a United Way Pizza Kit United Way Fundraiser later this year.
