United Way Guelph Wellington Dufferin is hoping to raise $3.6 million for the 50 local social service programs it supports.
The 2018 campaign goal was announced at a kick-off event Wednesday at Linamar's Frank Hazenfratz Centre For Excellence on Woodlawn Road.
“Today marks the beginning of another wonderful time for our community”, said Jim Jarrell, 2018 United Way Campaign Chair and President and COO of Linamar said.
“The United Way campaign brings together all aspects of our community – businesses, individuals, and our social services to make change happen right here in our own backyards - what’s raised here, stays here”.
The campaign launch featured a Skyjack basketball challenge that saw various community leaders and representatives taking part, including MPP Mike Schreiner, mayor Cam Guthrie, Meshack Lufile representing the new Guelph Nighthawks pro basketball team, University of Guelph women's basketball team members Tatjana Boskovic and Natalie Vigna along with United Way funded agencies and volunteers all taking part.
Ken Dardano, United Way executive director, is excited about this year’s campaign.
“We say it every year, but when our community comes together, the results are incredible. We are very lucky to have many generous individuals who recognize the difference United Way funded programs have on our community”, Dardano said.
“And all of your donations stay right here, right in our community," Dardano said.
"Every time I go to Queen's Park I brag to all the other MPPs that I represent the most caring place in Ontario to live, and it's because of the great people here, all the great work that you do, that makes Guelph a great community," Schreiner said.
Cam Guthrie said he is always reminded that it is the family, friends and co-workers of us all who benefit from the great work the United Way does.
United Way Guelph Wellington Dufferin currently funds a network of 76 local programs at 53 different organizations in Guelph and Wellington and Dufferin counties. Programs support many complex issues, including poverty, mental health, children, seniors and literacy.
The campaign runs until the end of December. Donations are accepted at workplaces across Guelph and Wellington and Dufferin counties, and through the United Way office. For more information go to www.
