United Way KFL&A kicks off 2022 fundraising campaign

On the morning of Friday, Sept. 9, 2022, the United Way KFL&A unveiled this year’s fundraising goal at their campaign kickoff breakfast. The annual campaign will aim to raise $3,808,000 this fall.

The hybrid event was held at St. Lawrence College, and was the first time the “reveal” has been held in person since 2019.

“Kickoff is always an exciting event,” said Jane Lapointe, 2022 United Way Campaign Chair. “Our Campaign Cabinet volunteers have been hard at work since early in the year, laying the groundwork for a strong campaign.”

The 2022 campaign goal represents an increase of $200,000 over last year’s goal and “reflects the growing needs in the community during challenging times,” she said.

“As a community, we are seeing more people who need food and secure housing, and who are often facing mental health and addictions challenges. And we are all feeling pressure as the cost of living increases,” Lapointe stated. “As the pandemic continues, we need to act at a local level to support individuals who are vulnerable. They need our support now more than ever — every donation makes an impact.”

According to a release from the United Way, today’s hybrid announcement reflects possible changes in the way the campaign may be run this year, as more employers return to the workplace.

“We anticipate a few more [fundraising] events this year and, of course, the same amazing support from our workplace supporters,” added Lapointe.“I see every day how caring this community is, and I invite everyone to join us and show your local love by donating if you can.”

The renewal of two Leadership Challenge Grants was also announced at today’s kickoff breakfast, the United Way shared. Under one grant, donors who give at the Leadership level — giving $1,200 or more for the first time — will have their donation matched by an anonymous Kingston couple, both passionate United Way supporters. Donors who are already “Leaders of the Way” and add at least 10 per cent to their previous year’s gift will also see their increased donation matched under the Leadership Grant.

The other renewed grant, called the Women United Challenge Grant, is generously donated by Jessica Bayne Hogan, according to the release, and specifically encourages women to donate at the leadership level, becoming part of “Women United.”

“I was delighted to extend this additional matching grant to the incredible women of our community once again,” said Bayne Hogan. “Over the past few years, I have had the pleasure of co-chairing Women United and have been awed and inspired by the level of compassion, engagement and genuine interest of the women involved in asking how can we do better as a community to fill existing gaps and support all of those in our community.”

During last year’s campaign, 635 people participated in the Leadership Challenge Grant. Together, their donations and matching funds raised 57 per cent of the campaign total.

“We are so grateful for this amazing support from our anonymous Leadership Challenge Grant couple and from Jessica Bayne Hogan for the Women United Challenge Grant,” Lapointe expressed. “These grants really helped the community reach last year’s campaign goal, with $2.2 million in donations coming from leadership donors.”

The 12-week campaign wraps up on Thursday, Nov. 24, 2022. For more information and updates, please visit www.unitedwaykfla.ca.