For the first time in over 20 years, Sarnia-Lambton's United Way will fall short of its fundraising goal.
Executive Director Dave Brown said they're at about $1.95-million, or 97 per cent of the $2-million goal with the campaign officially ending December 31.
Brown said coming up short will impact the 19 local agencies they help support.
"Some of them may have to be cut, and we'll be making those final decisions in mid-January. So we'll see how close we can get to that $2-million level over the next week or so," said Brown. "There will have to be cuts, but we've got volunteers from our community making local decisions which will have the best impact on local people."
Brown said the United Way isn't the only organization not meeting its fundraising target.
"There does seem to be a lot of United Ways and a lot of organizations that are flat or less than previous years. Stats Canada I think recently came out with some data that Canadians are giving less than they have in the past. But for years, Sarnia-Lambton has bucked that trend, so we're grateful to live in such a caring community."
Brown said the last year they missed their goal was in 1993.
He said a few cheques will likely come in in the new year.
