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United Way of Sarnia-Lambton sets 2007 GoalUnited Way of Sarnia-Lambton sets 2007 Goal
The United Way of Sarnia-Lambton announced today that the 2007 campaign goals will be $1,840,000, and 8,300 donors.
"Both of these goals represent a slight increase over last year", said 2007 Campaign Chair Steve Pilkey, "we are looking to raise $2,000 more this year than last".
Pilkey was quick to point out that this year's goal, while up by just $2,000, will not be easy. "We are aware of the recently announced plant closings in Sarnia, so we will be in need of new donors from other industries and businesses, as well as retirees," he said. In fact, Pilkey said that the United Way is looking to recruit about 225 net new donors. If we can replace the donors we may lose as a result of closings and recruit another 225 donors, we believe the goal is attainable. Our goal this year reflects the increasing costs of the funded programs as more need for services from an ageing Sarnia-Lambton community exists," Pilkey said.
Health, Medical, and Seniors services amount to 24% of the available United Way allocations. "These services are primarily prevention focused. We want to keep seniors healthy, and in their own homes for as long as they are able, thereby reducing healthcare costs, and an overall strain on our healthcare system," Pilkey explained.
The largest percentage of United Way funding is used for Youth Development, Education, and Prevention services. "Our goals here are simple. Let's give our youth the very best start we can to lessen the likelihood of conflicts with the law, keep students in school, and give our young adults the tools they need to be contributing members of society. Thirty three per cent of United Way funding is targeted to youth programs.
The United Way has already raised $340,000, or 17% of the campaign goal. Much of this early success is a result of Dow Chemical's and Imperial Oil's corporate donations, and $ 25,000 raised by retiree donations so far. About 2,000 letters to professionals, retirees, and local businesses will be mailed out this week and the United Way is hoping for a positive return on this mailing. "Overall, nearly $200,000 of the campaign will be raised by retirees in our community; clearly a very important aspect of the campaign," Pilkey said.
Recently, the United Way raised almost $3,000 from a joint venture with The Bagel Factory on London Road in Sarnia.
Our next event is the annual Sarnia Sting Black versus White game on September 1 at 4:00 PM. Price of admission is $2 which includes the game and a chance to win prizes. The Black versus White game is the first real opportunity Sting fans will have to evaluate the 2007/2008 team. This is also the last chance some Sting hopefuls will have to impress Sting coaching staff and make the team.
The 2007 campaign will officially kick off on September 18, with the Annual Day of Caring.
Twenty eight local agencies, which provide over 60 programs and services, depend on the United Way for funding of their programs. Sarnia Lambton Rebound, Big Brothers, Big Sisters, and the Victorian Order of Nurses are just four of the regularly funded agencies.
The United Way of Sarnia-Lambton is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year.
For more information on the United Way, and upcoming campaign events, please visit the United Way of Sarnia-Lambton website at www.theunitedway.on.ca
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