United Way Guelph Wellington Dufferin kicked-off its 2017 fundraising campaign on Sept. 6, announcing a goal of $3.5 million to support local social service programs.
“It’s the time of year again when our community comes together to ensure everyone – our friends, family and neighbours – has help when they need it,” said Rick McCombie, 2017 United Way campaign chair.
“Over the past 20 years, more than $52.5 million has been raised right here in our community and that’s what makes United Way so great – the fact that what’s raised local, stays local.
“We are making a difference right here in our own backyard.”
The kick-off took place at Market Square in downtown Guelph, with a barbecue lunch and help from Guelph Fire officials, who took passengers to the top of Guelph with their aerial truck in exchange for a donation to United Way.
Ken Dardano, United Way executive director, is excited about this year’s campaign.
“We are very lucky to have many generous individuals who recognize the difference United Way funded programs have on our community,” said Dardano.
“But the reality is that the need in our community doesn’t go away and it gets harder and harder to raise the dollars to meet those needs. We need everyone to dig deep and come together to help support the tens of thousands of people who use a United Way funded program every year.”
United Way Guelph Wellington Dufferin funds a network of 88 local programs at 54 organizations in Guelph and Wellington and Dufferin counties. Programs support many complex issues, including poverty, homelessness, mental health and literacy.
Dufferin County will kick-off its campaign later this month, with both campaigns running until the end of December.
Donations are accepted at workplaces across Guelph and Wellington and Dufferin counties, and through the United Way office (519-821-0571 or unitedwayguelph.com).
