Leadership challenge grants see United Way exceed 2022 fundraising goal

At their annual end-of-campaign breakfast on Thursday, Nov. 24, 2022, the United Way of KFL&A announced that they have surpassed their 2022 fundraising goal, with a total of $3,820,000 raised.

In September, the organization announced their 2022 goal of $3,808,000 million. Once again, the campaign has seen the “local love,” with individuals and workplaces making generous donations throughout the fall.

The campaign touchdown event saw approximately 200 in-person attendees and more than 50 tuning in via Zoom, according to a release from the United Way. Campaign chair Jane Lapointe revealed the fundraising total, and noted that this achievement will enable agencies to continue to do the important and essential work that is needed in our community.

“This amazing community continues to step up and show their local love and support,” Lapointe said. “Thank you to all those who donated and especially to the workplaces that really played an important role this year. It was great to see so many people back in person and the innovative ways volunteers adapted their campaigns.”

Lapointe shared that the campaign received a “big boost” through generous matching grants from Julie and Jim Parker, with the Leadership Challenge Grant, and from Jessica Bayne Hogan with the Women United Leadership Challenge Grant. According to the release, their respective support matched new leadership donors (those who give $1,200 or more) and boosted existing “leaders” who increased their donations by 10 per cent or more over the previous year. Together, the Leadership Challenge Grants played a significant role in helping the campaign reach its goal, she said.

“Julie, Jim, and Jessica, continue to demonstrate an incredible level of commitment to the United Way through their leadership, volunteering, and financial contributions. I thank them from the bottom of my heart,” Lapointe said.

According to the release, the funds raised through the campaign will be distributed to local agencies immediately and volunteers have been hard at work on the allocations process. Funds will be stretched this year as United Way KFL&A continues to work closely with local partners to tackle their immediate needs, the organization said. United Way volunteers focus on programs that address the growing areas of need in the community, such as food security, mental health and addictions support, and homelessness.

“We know from conversations with agencies that they are seeing a 25 to 30 per cent increase in individuals needing their supports and services,” Lapointe explained. “They continue to work hard to meet these needs.”

The campaign chair thanked all the United Way agencies for their hard work, dedication, and support during the campaign. She also thanked agencies and volunteers, including the United Way cabinet and committees, and “all those who support and continue to support the United Way.”

“There is still significant need in our community and these needs will continue. With your support and local love we can get through it together,” Lapointe concluded.