The rising cost of living in Canada is having a double effect on the Sarnia-Lambton United Way campaign.
That's according to the nonprofit's executive director, Dave Brown.
"Donors don't have maybe the money that they've had in other years because they're putting more in their tank or more at the grocery store," said Brown. "But at the same time, the need has increased because those people who are at or near the poverty line are struggling even more. Plus, we have a lot of groups that provide transportation, as an example."
Last month, Statistics Canada reported the annual pace of inflation jumped 4.7 per cent in October, the highest rate since February 2003.
The United Way campaign has raised $1,175,000 or 67 per cent of its $1.75 million goal. That's an increase of $200,000 from one week ago.
Brown said it's always nice to be beyond the million dollar milestone.
"We've got a long ways to go in just three or four weeks, so we're still hopeful. We're making sure that all of the active campaigns finish as successfully as we can, and we're also still looking for new campaigns to kick off, so we have not given up yet."
Brown is encouraging anybody who's donated in past years but hasn't yet this year to get their donation in by the end of 2021 to get a tax credit.
United Way of Sarnia-Lambton supports 20 local agencies providing 40 programs and services in the community, including Sarnia-Lambton Rebound, Lambton Elderly Outreach and Community Living.
