United Way looks to raise over $3.6M with fall fundraising campaign

The United Way of KFL&A announced their ambitious goal of raising $3,614,800 during this year’s fall fundraising campaign at a virtual event on Friday, Sept. 10, 2021.

Campaign Chair Daren Dougall stated that this Campaign Goal represents an increase of 25 per cent over the 2020 goal and reflects the growing needs of the community during the ongoing global COVID-19 pandemic, according to a release from the agency on the same date.

United Way KFL&A also announced the renewal of the increasingly popular Leadership Challenge Grant. Under the grant, supporters who boost their annual campaign contribution to $1,200 or make a new $1,200 gift will have their donation matched by an anonymous Kingston couple, both passionate United Way supporters, according to the release. 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.

During the 2020 campaign, 539 people participated in the Leadership Challenge Grant. Together, their donations combined with matching funds raised 52 per cent of the campaign goal.

“The past 18 months have been challenging and the United Way continues to evaluate the changing situation, knowing those challenges will persist beyond the pandemic,” said Campaign Chair Dougall. “Like all of us, agencies are suffering from pandemic fatigue but working hard to ensure they can continue to serve residents – but they can’t do this alone. Now more than ever, they rely on the support of the community and donors to continue to show their Local Love in support.”

The annual campaign goal is usually announced at a lively kickoff breakfast in front of a large crowd of United Way supporters and volunteers. Friday’s virtual announcement reflected the many ways that COVID-19 continues to alter our way of life in KFL&A, Dougall said.

“This year’s campaign will be different again as some workplaces return to the office and others don’t. I look forward to the consistent and passionate community support we witness every year,” he said. “In times of crisis, we need to come together and ensure immediate needs are met. We are asking people to continue investing in their community, and to give more, if they can.”

Last year, the Leadership Challenge Grant boosted donations in the leadership category by 18 per cent, the agency said. The couple behind this year’s generous initiative said in a statement that they have “always donated to the United Way KFL&A because we know the funds are used right here in our community.”

By sponsoring the Leadership Challenge Grant, they hope to encourage others to show – and increase – their support for the United Way.

“During the pandemic, this commitment to the community has been especially important and United Way continues to be an effective leader in addressing the immediate local needs and in helping those that need it most,” they said. “Our United Way needs the support of our community. Together we can help tackle the increased suffering caused by the pandemic by increasing our support.”

“Thank you from the bottom of my heart for this incredible commitment to our community,” Dougall added. “I challenge everyone to take advantage of this unbelievable generosity by increasing your donation. There has never been a better time to show your Local Love.”

The United Way’s 12-week campaign wraps up November 25, 2021. For more information and updates, please visit www.unitedewaykfla.ca.