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United Way of Sarnia-Lambton Announces
2004 Campaign Goal
August 16, 2004-----The United Way of Sarnia-Lambton is excited to announce the goal for the 2004 annual fall fundraising campaign. This year's goal has been set at $1.8 million, and has recently been approved by the United Way's volunteer Board of Directors. Executive Director of the United Way of Sarnia-Lambton, Dave Brown says, "We were thrilled to reach 103% of our campaign goal in 2003 so we thought it would be an exciting challenge to raise the bar. It won't be an easy task, but the United Way has an incredible team of volunteers to assist with the campaign and tremendous community support."
In 2003, the United Way of Sarnia-Lambton raised $1,794,000. Brown says the need for assistance from United Way funded programs seems to increase each year, "We currently provide funding to 28 agencies in Sarnia-Lambton and well over 65 programs. These are all programs which have been proven to have a tangible return on investment for our donors. They are programs that have been proven to work. They provide results the community can see and be proud of."
In addition to the 28 funded agencies, the United Way also provides a number of short term grants, called Venture Grants, to member and non-member agencies. For example, the United Way recently provided a $30,000 Venture Grant to Pathways Health Centre for Children.
In a move to reduce the cost of paper and postage, the United Way of Sarnia-Lambton will expand its "Online Giving" program this campaign season. An online campaign is currently being set up for local realtors and lawyers. Traditionally, these professionals received a letter in the mail complete with a pledge card. This year, the entire process will be done online. The United Way has also commenced its direct mail campaign for retirees and professionals. Brown says this portion of the campaign is expected to raise approximately $160,000.
This year's United Way campaign kicks off September 21st with the 11th annual Day of Caring. This is a day where a number of Sarnia-Lambton companies "loan" some of their employees to the community. These employees provide assistance to seniors by performing jobs like painting and home renovations. They also work at various charitable organizations.
The 2004 United Way Campaign Chair is Joe Dedecker, mayor of St. Clair Township and a former Lambton County Warden. Mr. Dedecker has been a long time supporter of the United Way of Sarnia-Lambton.
For more information, please contact:
Dave Brown, Executive Director, United Way of Sarnia-Lambton 336-5452 Ext. 7
Joe Dedecker, 2004 Campaign Chair, 383-9328
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