United Way buoyed by early campaign momentum
The United Way of Peterborough and District is buoyed by a strong start to the organization’s annual fundraising campaign.
Some $300,000 has been raised since the effort – which has a target of $1.85 million – was launched Sept. 19, officials told a crowd of about 60 gathered for the Thursday morning announcement in the lobby of Robinson Place.
In a seasonal move, the figure was illustrated via lit jack-o-lanterns.
“We really wanted to speak to the momentum early in the campaign,” CEO Jim Russell said, pointing out that the pace is about five per cent ahead of last year.
The organization is encouraged by the early results and aware that starting next month, many other equally worthwhile charities will be seeking donations.
“We really want to stay top of mind,” Russell said, crediting the plaid theme of this year’s campaign – the brainchild of campaign chairman Neil Morton of PTBO Canada – for having a “huge” impact on fostering awareness.
The challenge now is turning that knowledge into more fundraising dollars – another reason for wanting to stay top of mind, he pointed out.
Russell, who was joined Thursday by Morton, Ontario Public Service (OPS) sponsored employee Dwight Couchman and ministry employee campaign co-ordinator Michelle Saunders, thanked OPS workers for their early energy.
“We can’t thank you enough for how hard you work in your day jobs, and how much that effort makes for a better community,” he stated.
The workplace campaign there is one of many across the city that provide significant funds, but also much inspiration to the United Way, Russell said.
“They are (already) focused on building community from 9 to 5,” he said, adding how humbled their energetic efforts make him. “They are really an important part of our campaign.”
Workplaces are stepping up because they are aware the need is going to be “particular” with next year’s closure of General Electric Peterborough’s motors plant, which employs 350, Russell said.
The CEO reminded everyone that the United Way’s annual direct mail fundraiser will take place in the coming weeks, an effort that draws $400,000 to $500,000 each year. “Hopefully we will draw that much support in that way again.”
Russell also reminded that Nov. 2 is Plaid Night as the Peterborough Petes host the Sarnia Sting at the Peterborough Memorial Centre and that Canada 150 plaid scarves are still on sale.
Tickets for the game and the scarves can be purchased at the United Way office at 277 Stewart St. for $20 and $25, respectively.
The early campaign total is about 16 per cent of the total goal. Maintaining that pace until the campaign wraps up in January would put it on pace for about $1.5 million.
Last year, the campaign raised $1.82 million, or 91 per cent of its $2,000,075 goal. In 2015, it raised $1.9 million, or 83 per cent of its $2.29 million goal. It raised $2,209,001 towards its $2,383,467 goal in 2014 and $2,375,111 towards a goal of $2,500,000 in 2013.
NOTE: To make a donation, visit www.uwpeterborough.ca.