The United Way of Sarnia Lambton is keeping its 2020 "Needs Target" in line with last year.
Executive Director Dave Brown said the goal for the fall fundraising campaign is unchanged from 2019, at $1.9 million.
"We did have a lot of discussions at the board level about what we're going to set for this year's goal," said Brown. "This is such an unusual year. We weren't sure exactly where to go, but in the end, the board felt that it was important that we keep the needs target at what it was last year, as we told the community that's what our needs are to continue to fund those 18 agencies, 36 programs and services at the appropriate levels in our community."
Brown said while they've been busy giving out additional funding from the compassion fund and federal government grants during the pandemic, they're really concerned about this fall's campaign.
"We've already had to cancel a number of our special events. We're worried about whether or not chilli days and hot dog barbecue will continue in the plants. We can't get out like we have in the past and meet with campaign organizers, so it's going to be a challenge."
He said funding for the YMCA drop-in centres, autism summer camp and Boys and Girls Club after school program has been ceased until they're back up and running.
"Some of the agencies that had to halt services and are unable to do their services in another way, we've actually stopped funding those programs, because we felt we owe it to donors to make sure that their contributions are best used in our community to help those most in need."
Brown said they've cancelled their annual "Day of Caring" campaign kickoff.
He said this year's campaign will focus on employee giving, direct mail and online giving programs.
