The Guelph-Wellington-Dufferin community has shown its generous spirit once again, raising $3,604,202 toward the annual United Way fundraising campaign.
The campaign closed on Dec. 16 with a volunteer appreciation event, where over 200 members of the community came together to celebrate their part in the organization’s record-breaking fundraising campaign.
“Once again our community has shown incredible kindness and generosity,” said Rick McCombie, United Way campaign chair and executive vice-president in a press release.
“Thanks to incredible corporate partners and donors, thousands of people will be impacted by the money that can now be invested in the community, and that is just a wonderful thing.”
Over 1,000 people volunteered with United Way throughout the three-month campaign. Funds raised by United Way support more than 90 local social service programs at over 50 local agencies in Guelph and Wellington and Dufferin counties.
“Every year is a roller coaster and this year was no different, but the way our generous community rallied to make this happen has been inspiring,” said Ken Dardano, executive director of United Way.
“We owe a big thank you to all of our workplace campaigns and donors for stepping up when we really needed it, getting us to goal and allowing us to continue to invest in the community.”
At the closing event on Dec. 15 Linamar Corporation and the University of Guelph took home the award for Campaign of the Year (private and public sector respectively).
Linamar Corporation took the Outstanding Overall Achievement award, raising $715,000 – the most ever by a campaign in the community.
Sleeman Breweries Ltd., The Co-operators, City of Guelph and McNeil Consumer Healthcare were also among those recognized with United Way awards.
The $3.6-million total is based on received and pledged dollars, with some workplaces continuing campaigns through to the new year. More than 200 workplaces took part in the campaign and more than 8,000 donors contribute to United Way annually.
