United Way kicks off $3.2-million campaign

GUELPH

United Way Guelph Wellington Dufferin kicked-off its 2012 fundraising campaign on Sept. 12, announcing a goal of raising $3.2 million to support local social service programs.

 “Last year, donors in the community came together and raised more than $3 million for United Way,” said Jim Jarrell, United Way’s volunteer campaign chair and president and chief operating officer at Linamar.

“I know we can go even further this year. Every dollar donated makes a difference, helping people through the 80-plus local programs United Way funds.”

 The kick-off took place at Market Square in downtown Guelph, and featured presentations by Jarrell, Mayor Karen Farbridge and Debbie Bentley-Lauzon, executive director of Wyndham House.

 “Our funding from United Way keeps a door open and options available for homeless youth in our community,” said Bentley-Lauzon.

Wyndham House helps more than 500 vulnerable youth in Guelph and Wellington each year. This includes providing long-term residences for homeless youth wishing to complete their high school education.

 Ken Dardano, United Way executive director, is excited about this year’s campaign.

“It’s a hard reality, but we continue to see increasing demands for the programs we fund,” Dardano said. “We’ll be asking donors to dig deeper and new donors to step-up in support of United Way.”

 The campaign runs until the end of November. Donations are accepted across the city and through the United Way office  at 519-821-0571 or www.unitedwayguelph.com.

September 21, 2012