United Way Guelph-Wellington-Dufferin kicked off its 2013 fundraising campaign on Sept. 7, announcing a goal of raising $3.4 million to support local social service programs.
“Now, more than ever, it is important that our community continue their generosity of past years”, said Jim Jarrell, United Way’s volunteer campaign chair, and president and chief operating officer at Linamar.
“Every dollar donated makes a difference, helping thousands of people through the 80-plus local programs United Way funds. Together, we make change start here.”
The kick-off took place at the Hamilton Tiger Cats game at University of Guelph’s Alumni Stadium during halftime.
United Way volunteers cheered on campaign chair Jim Jarrell and Chief Bryan Larkin of the Guelph Police Service, as they put their football skills to the test and “kicked-off” the announcement from the field.
Ken Dardano, United Way executive director, is excited about this year’s campaign.
“It’s a hard reality, but we continue to see increasing demands for the programs we fund,” said Dardano.
“We’ll be asking donors to dig deeper and new donors to step-up in support of United Way.”
In 2012, United Way Guelph-Wellington-Dufferin funded 88 programs at 56 different organizations in Guelph and Wellington and Dufferin counties.
Funding requests for the 2013 funding year are well above last cycle’s numbers, indicating the increased need for support from the community and United Way.
The campaign runs until the end of November. Donations are accepted at workplaces across Guelph and Wellington and Dufferin counties and through the United Way office at 519-821-0571 or www.unitedwayguelph.com.
