United Way Lanark County announced today that thanks to donors, a total of $334,000 was raised during its 2014 campaign. The funds raised will go directly to help change 8,000 lives in our community.
“Today’s announcement demonstrates that our donors truly want to support those most in need in Lanark County”, said Johann Ramsaran, Chair of the Board of Directors, United Way. “Our work is changing lives today and contributing to the positive community improvements we want to see tomorrow.”
This year, United Way will invest in 16 front-line member agencies that support people including children and youth, seniors and many others who are experiencing hardship within the community of Lanark County.
“We continue to call on the community for support because the need in this community is great, and sadly, it is growing,” said Fraser Scantlebury, Executive Director, United Way. “Hundreds of people in this community still require our assistance, and that’s why we continue to call on the community to help the most vulnerable people in our region.”
You can still make a contribution to support those in need in Lanark County by donating online or through your workplace campaign. Employees working in Federal or Provincial Government offices have the ability to direct your donations to your local United Way by using the appropriate designation numbers – 01359 for Federal Government Employees and ON08 for Provincial employees – on their payroll deduction forms. If you would like to set-up a workplace campaign where you work, please contact your United Way office.
Campaign Highlights
United Way’s campaign was successful thanks to individual donations, sponsors and other supports in the community. Here are some highlights from the campaign:
- 3M Canada had the largest corporate campaign, and along with Eaton Corporation in Perth, demonstrated outstanding leadership with successful workplace campaigns, events, and generous corporate donations.
- Algonquin College had a great year with staff and students organizing both a United Way Day and Fundraising Dinner, while staff members participated in payroll deductions as well.
- We’ve also received amazing support from the Almonte Community-Coordinators – The Hub, who stepped up to with a significant contribution, along with a donation from the Rotary Club of Smiths Falls.
- The LCBO’s point of sale campaign combined with the 3rd Live Man Auction in Carleton Place was the highest fundraising event of the year. The time and energy the LCBO staff put into promoting our cause is amazing and it’s great to see the comradery built by holding a friendly competition between the 5 stores in Lanark County and Smiths Falls, that makes such a big difference in the lives of so many.
- The financial sector – BMO, CIBC, RBC, Scotiabank and TD Canada Trust – continue to invest in their community through employee payroll deductions, corporate matches and fundraising events.
- Kurt Greaves, Chief Administration Officer, along with United Way Employee Campaign Chair Annette Scott, led the County of Lanark employee campaign that raised $11,100, achieving their best result to date.
- For the second year in a row, the Township of Drummond North Elmsley placed first in the Municipal Challenge, followed by the Township of Beckwith and the Town of Mississippi Mills.
- Many community members donated to the campaign by raising funds at special events, including the Warden’s Golf Tournament in August and the My Town’s Got Talent Show and Fundraiser.
- Our four semi-professional Lanark County hockey teams – the Almonte Thunder, Carleton Place Canadians, Perth Blue Wings, and Smiths Falls Bears – held very successful United Way Game Days – now marks two years or supporting their United Way.
- The support of the schools in Lanark County continues to grow. The staff and teachers did an excellent job in spreading awareness through a variety of creative fundraisers including a pie toss, a time and talent auction, treasure hunts, pasta challenge and more.
- United Way continues to appreciate the generosity of its sponsors including: the Levi and Rideau Home Hardware Building Centres in Almonte and Smiths Falls, Andress’, Barnabe’s and Patrice’s Independent Grocers in Smiths Falls, Perth and Almonte, and the Canadian Tire Stores in Carleton Place, Perth and Smiths Falls, Allan Chartered Accountants. In addition, we would also like to thank all of our sponsors who supplied the many prizes for our Champagne Flights, Dinners, & Stays Raffle, including Bob Hanson at Classic Wings, the Almonte Riverside Inn & Kitchen, the Perth Manor Boutique Hotel, Ballygiblins, Chuckles Jack, the Heirloom Café, and the Masonry Restaurant.
- A special thanks to the gracious support from our media partners, Metroland Media, the Humm, Millstone News, the Lanark Era, Lake 88, and Jack FM
United Way Lanark County will recognize community support for the 2014 Campaign at their Annual General Meeting, which will be held on Monday, June 22 at 7:00 p.m., in the Learning Commons (library) at the Smiths Falls & District Collegiate Institute (299 Percy Street, Smiths Falls).
On behalf of the United Way Lanark County Board of Directors, I extend an invitation to all community members to attend,” said Ramsaran. “We look forward to celebrating the achievements of our community.”
For more information, or to donate to United Way Lanark County, please go to www.lanarkunitedway.com or call the office at 613-253-9074.