United Way Guelph Wellington Dufferin kicked-off its 2014 fundraising campaign this afternoon, announcing a goal of raising $3.5 million to support local social service programs.
“It’s time to put the pedal to the metal”, said Bryan Larkin, United Way’s campaign chair, and former chief of the Guelph Police Service. “We’re asking everyone to dig deep. Every dollar donated makes a difference to thousands of people every day, keeping our community safe & thriving.”
The kick-off took place at Market Square in downtown Guelph, with a community BBQ. Mayor Karen Farbridge addressed the crowd of community members and volunteers. United Way’s “Everyday Heroes” and “littles” from Big Brothers Big Sisters of Guelph, representing United Way’s very important donors and funded agencies, were escorted by the Guelph Police Service through the streets of Guelph to Market Square. Bryan Larkin and members of the police service’s rappelling team announced the campaign goal with great excitement by dropping a banner and rappelling off the roof of City Hall.
Ken Dardano, United Way executive director, is excited about this year’s campaign. “We’ve had a great run up to the start of this year’s campaign – the community has been very positive and our workplaces are excited to get started”, commented Mr. Dardano. “It’s a hard reality, but we continue to see increasing demands for the programs we fund.”
United Way Guelph Wellington Dufferin currently funds a network of 86 programs at 53 different organizations in Guelph and Wellington and Dufferin counties. Funding requests for the 2015 funding year are up from last cycle’s numbers, indicating the increased need for support from the community and United Way.
The campaign runs until the end of November. Donations are accepted at workplaces across Guelph and Wellington and Dufferin counties, and through United Way office (519-821-0571 or www.unitedwayguelph.com).
More information:
Ken Dardano, Executive Director
ken@unitedwayguelph.com