The United Way of Sarnia-Lambton has set a 'needs target' for the 2022 fundraising effort.
Executive Director Dave Brown said a minimum of $1.65 million is needed to fund the current programs and services they support.
"We are currently funding 17 local agencies that provide over 31 programs and services, specifically into three target areas, From Poverty to Possibility, All That Kids Can Be and Healthy People-Strong Communities, which includes our seniors programming for our aging community and our mental health programming."
Campaign Chair Vicky Ducharme said the rising cost of basic necessities means that local needs continue to increase.
"At United Way, we are working to not only support individuals with their needs today, but also provide them with the tools and resources they require to become self-sufficient and self-reliant," said Ducharme in a news release. “We know that this is a challenging economy, but we believe Sarnia-Lambton residents will not let it stand in the way of friends and neighbours receiving required services. I would also like to express a heartfelt thank you to the people who have donated to the campaign so far, United Way appreciates your eagerness to help our community.”
Brown said the campaign is moving away from some 'old-school' fundraising methods to help them meet their target.
"We're hoping that we can get into new workplaces, new groups to try to sell them on supporting the United Way through our online giving programs," he said. "In fact, our online donations at both work sites and coming from our social media and website has certainly increased over the last two years."
The annual Sarnia Sting Black and White Game is set for Friday, September 2nd, but the official launch of the 2022 campaign is on Tuesday, September 20, with the annual Day of Caring.
The traditional kick off was cancelled the last two years due to the pandemic.
The 2021 campaign fell short of its $1.75 million fundraising goal by about just over $100,000. It was the third time in four years the initiative didn't meet its target.
