Community spirit shines bright in United Way Campaign

Guelph, Ontario. Dec. 18, 2014. The Guelph-Wellington-Dufferin community has shown its generous spirit once again, raising an outstanding $3,576,650 toward the annual United Way fundraising campaign. The announcement came on Thursday at the campaign closing and volunteer appreciation event, where over 250 members of the community came together to celebrate their part in the organization’s record-breaking fundraising campaign.

“Every year we have obstacles to overcome, and this year was no different, but our community always finds a way to make it happen. Once again, our corporate partners and donors have shown incredible kindness and generosity,” said Bryan Larkin, United Way campaign chair. “Thousands of people will be impacted by the money we can now invest in the community, and that is a wonderful thing.”

Eleven hundred people volunteered with United Way throughout the three-month campaign. Funds raised by United Way support more than 85 local social service programs at over 50 local agencies in Guelph and Wellington and Dufferin counties.

“We’ve seen lots of ups and downs during this year’s campaign, and the way the community rallied to make this happen was inspiring”, said Ken Dardano, executive director of United Way. “Funding requests from our local agencies have more than doubled this year, and this success will allow us to invest in even more local programs. Every dollar donated really does count.”

At the closing event on Thursday, Linamar Corporation & the City of Guelph took home the award for Campaign of the Year (Private & Public sector respectively).  Employees at Linamar’s 24 plants raised a record breaking $651,729; City of Guelph employees also broke the City’s record with a total of $79,500.  The University of Guelph, Sleeman Breweries Ltd., Cargill Canada, The Co-operators, OMAFRA and the County of Wellington were also among those recognized with United Way awards.

The $3.57 million total announced today is based on received and pledged dollars, with some workplaces continuing campaigns through to the new year. More than 200 workplaces took part in the campaign, and more than 8,000 donors contribute to United Way annually.

United Way Guelph Wellington Dufferin has worked in our community for over 70 years to monitor and meet the pressing social needs of our community.  Directed by a volunteer board, managed by committed staff and supported by thousands of donors, United Way works with partners in all sectors to improve lives and build community.

unitedwayguelph.com

More information:

Ken Dardano, Executive Director

United Way Guelph Wellington Dufferin

519-821-0571 ext. 23, ken@unitedwayguelph.com

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