Monday, September 8, 2008-------The United Way of Sarnia-Lambton’s 15th Annual Day of Caring happens Tuesday, September 16, 2008. The Day of Caring, a tradition in Sarnia-Lambton, will see hundreds of volunteers donating their time, a multitude of supplies and an abundance of caring power to assist individuals and non-profit organizations at 68 jobsites throughout LambtonCounty. It also marks the official kick-off to the 2008 United Way Campaign.This year’s event will have an international twist as well.The United Way of St. Clair County in Port HuronMichigan will also hold their first ever Day of Caring on the same date in their community.
Organizer Pamela Bodkin says this day is one that so many look forward to in our community.“By pulling together we are able to help many people with tasks that allow them to remain in their home safely as well as financially.Fixed incomes in today’s world often results in the home owners having to make the choice of either home repairs and maintenance or heat and groceries.The Non-profit agencies that are helped also benefit from the day by having general maintenance done to their facilities which then allows them to concentrate their efforts on client services.
This year over 250 workers from 27 workplaces along with community volunteers will provide over 2000 hours of service across LambtonCounty.Bodkin says it’s encouraging to see such tremendous support of this day. “Day of Caring is about coming together for a common purpose and working to improve the lives of those in Sarnia-Lambton”, she added.
Some of this year’s “Day of Caring” jobs include painting, plumbing repairs, yard cleanup, washing windows, and other repair projects. Sponsoring companies include Suncor, Imperial Oil, TD Canada Trust, TransAlta, Point Edward Casino, and Cargill AgHorizons (please see attachment for complete list).
The Day of Caring kicks off at the Royal Canadian Legion September 16th at 7:30am. It will wrap up at the end of the day with a barbeque held at, and donated by, the Royal Canadian Naval Association on Lougar Ave. in Sarnia.
For additional information, please contact:
Pamela Bodkin, United Way of Sarnia-Lambton, 519-336-5452 Ext. 5 or email pam@theunitedway.on.ca
