The Guelph-Wellington-Dufferin community has shown its generous spirit once again, raising a record-breaking $3,287,736 toward the annual United Way fundraising campaign.
The announcement came on Dec. 15, just prior to the start of the Guelph Storm game.
?It?s been a roller-coaster ride to reach our goal this year. Once again, our corporate partners and donors have stepped up to the challenge, showing incredible kindness,? said Jim Jarrell, United Way campaign chair. ?Raising almost $90,000 over the goal set in September shows the commitment and generosity of everyone involved in the United Way campaign.?
About 1,100 people volunteered with United Way throughout the three-month campaign. Funds raised by United Way support more than 80 local social service programs that hundreds of people turn to every day.
?We have seen a $371,000 increase in requests for funding this year,? said Ken Dardano, executive director of United Way. ?With this four per cent increase over the amount raised in campaign 2011, we can invest even more in local programs. Every dollar donated really does count.?
The $3.29 million total announced on Dec. 15 is based on received and pledged dollars, with some workplace campaigns continuing over the holidays. More than 200 workplaces take part in the campaign, and more than 7,000 donors contribute to United Way annually.
