After a last ditch appeal to the public, the United Way London and Middlesex hit its $9.1-million campaign goal.
United Way officials say the 2015 campaign brought in a total of $9,113,630. This marks the 15th consecutive year it has reached its target. The announcement was made Saturday during the London Lightning game at Budweiser Gardens.
United Way CEO Andrew Lockie says the money is vital to the organization.
"We don't receive government funding for the work we do," says Lockie. "We are dependant on our ability to work with donors and foundations who provide us with funds to do the work that we do. It's critically important to create the kind of change we want to create in our community."
In February, the agency said it was in danger of falling short of its goal and Londoners were asked to dig a little deeper into their pockets for the "Share the Love" campaign. Lockie says the challenge was met wholeheartedly with many of the more than 800 participating businesses and schools going the extra mile.
"People really connected with United Way through the Share the Love campaign. On-going campaigns also really stepped up," says Lockie. "We had some campaigns, like TD for instance, they had already surpassed their campaign goal for the year but they saw the opportunity and ran a Share the Love campaign too and raised a bunch more money for us."
The annual campaign has raised a total of $100-million over the last 15-years.
"The support for United Way in our city is just something to be admired," says Lockie. "It really shows how much our community cares. We are delighted and impressed."
Money raised through the campaign will be invested in programs and services in London and Middlesex County with a proven record of results for low income individuals and families.
Last year more than 85,000 people used United Way-funded programs across the region.
