Local United Way kicks off 2019 fundraising campaign

In a packed ballroom early this morning, the United Way of Kingston, Frontenac, Lennox and Addington (KFL&A) announced the goal for their 2019 campaign.

As they do annually, the local United Way gathered supporters, volunteers, media partners, and member agencies in the ballroom of the Ambassador Hotel and Conference Centre on Friday, Sept. 6, 2019. The yearly campaign kick-off breakfast also announced the 2019 United Way of KLF&A Campaign Chair. Scott Harris, Regional Deputy Commissioner for the Correctional Service of Canada, has stepped into that role, and with announced to the over 500 people in attendance this year’s campaign goal of $3,551,000.

“My hope for the year is that we will build on the successes of previous years to have another great campaign,” said Harris. “Last year, more than 53,000 people were helped locally. By continuing to give and support United Way, you are all creating a stronger community and an even better place to live.”

The 2019 campaign goal represents a three per cent increase over the 2018 goal, and the campaign runs for the next 12 weeks. According to the United Way of KFL&A, 70 per cent of the funds raised through the campaign are raised through workplace campaigns held throughout the region. At the campaign kick-off breakfast, volunteers from participating workplaces took turns announcing their individual campaign coals, and spoke to why they feel strongly about supporting the United Way and the various agencies it helps to fund. The remaining 30 per cent of the campaign goal comes from community donations and fundraising events.

Harris explained that the United Way of KFL&A’s annual campaign is, indeed, the organization’s largest fundraiser, however, the organization’s work in the community is year round.

“Although we focus on a 12-week campaign, United Way staff, volunteers and supporters facilitate positive change year round,” Harris said. “As our agencies work hard to meet the complex issues faced by their clients, we are asking people to continue to show their local love and invest in their community and, if possible, to consider increasing their gift.”

For more information on the United Way of KFL&A and the agencies it supports, go to www.unitedwaykfla.ca.