Several local companies are encouraging Chatham-Kent residents to come together and challenge each other to give back this holiday season.
The Because We Care Challenge has been launched to raise money in support of the United Way of Chatham-Kent's 12 Days of Giving.
Director of Maple City Homes Trevor Mailloux said he was inspired to get involved in the campaign after seeing firsthand how many individuals in his own community are dealing with mental health issues and facing homelessness.
"I physically see it myself, the benefit of this and all the businesses and individuals out there, we're all worried about these people, they're our people and we want them to get well," he said. "The only way we can do this is to help out, roll up our sleeves and donate."
According to Mailloux, the money will stay local and directly help provide vulnerable individuals in Chatham-Kent with things like food, mental health support and other basic necessities.
Donations can be made through the United Way of Chatham-Kent.
However, Mailloux said businesses and individuals are being encouraged to create social media videos announcing their donation and challenging someone they know to do the same.
"I've made a video...that we're donating [a certain] amount of dollars, not that they have to donate the same thing we've donated, but we're asking people to do the same," he explained. "Go on social media and spread the word...kind of like a chain."
The challenge will run throughout the holiday season.
