United Way Guelph Wellington Dufferin has set a $3.6-million fundraising goal this year.
“Our community United Way campaign … is a long-standing tradition with so many community members getting together and supporting so many individuals in our community,” said executive director Ken Dardano at the Sept. 5 launch.
The charity kicked off this year’s campaign, which runs until the end of December, with a SkyJack Basketball Challenge at the Frank Hasenfratz Centre in Guelph.
Local politicians, Sports teams and United Way-funded agencies took part, raising $1,240 in the first few hours of the campaign.
To compete in the challenge each team rotated to basketball nets mounted on SkyJack aerial lift platforms that were raised to different heights.
Each net was sponsored by one of five businesses: Magic 106, Cargill, Sleeman Breweries, Co-operators and Linamar.
When a basket was scored, the company sponsoring the net committed to donating a specific dollar amount to the United Way.
“At United Way we are so proud of the work we do and extend all of our appreciation to the people who make it possible: our volunteers, our donors and corporate sponsors, and of course, our funded agencies,” Dardano said.
“We wouldn’t be able to raise the millions of dollars that we do without everybody’s involvement in our community.”
All the money raised during the United Way Guelph Wellington Dufferin campaign stays within the community.
The United Way funds 76 programs for 53 local organizations that support complex issues including poverty, mental health, children, seniors and literacy.
“Sometimes we get involved in these types of things and we don’t really think about the people that they’re touching and the lives that they’re touching around our city but they literally are our friends and family and coworkers,” said Guelph Mayor Cam Guthrie.
“Thank you for all that you do.”
Donate
Those wishing to donate can do so at workplaces in Guelph Wellington and Dufferin, and through the United Way at 519-821-0571 or www.unitedwayguelph.com.
