SD&G – The executive director of the United Way of SD&G says the campaign has hit 25 per cent.
With roughly three weeks officially left in the $700,000 campaign, don’t let the lower total fool you.
In an interview with Cornwall Newswatch, Lori Greer said the campaign “is going well” and some larger donations will be coming in later.
“We have many different third party events and other things that are going on. We have really had some tremendous people that have stepped up and offered to do events on our behalf and we’re really thrilled with the support and the exposure that it adds to the campaign,” Greer said.
“It really feels like the community cares about United Way and about the people in our community. Really, I cannot stress enough how thankful and appreciative we are for the support that’s we’re receiving,” she said.
The United Way helps 17 member agencies in SD&G.
Major tasty fundraiser Saturday
There are still tickets for one of the United Way’s major fundraisers – the Holiday Wine and Gourmet Tastings at Nav Center.
Last year, the $90 per person event brought in over $48,000 while over 500 people sampled various wines and enjoyed, live music, desserts and a silent auction.
You can still get last minute tickets by emailing Lori Greer at lori@unitedwaysdg.com or call 613-330-6432.
More events in the final weeks, including ugly sweaters
“I’m thrilled to say there’s a few things coming down in the next few weeks,” Greer said.
The United Way is at Cornwall Square for the Black Friday event (through Saturday) and then will be at the tree lighting ceremony tonight (Friday).
There’s the ongoing Celebration Sleigh raffle at Baxtrom’s Your Independent Grocer for a chance to win $5,000 in gifts. Tickets are $3 each or 4 for $10 and are available at the grocery store or the United Way office until Dec. 16.
The UW will also be benefiting from the SD&G Highlanders’ St. Andrew’s Feast at the Cornwall Armoury on Saturday, Dec. 3, 2016 at 6 p.m. Tickets are $65 per person and available by calling 613-963-9124 extention 0 or emailing sdg.officer.mess@gmail.com.
There’s also an upcoming Ugly Sweater Day on Dec. 9.
“We’re going to be encouraging businesses and organizations to take part. Tell us you want to participate in Ugly Sweater Day. Take some photos of your staff and encourage everyone to make a donation to wear their ugly sweater and make that donation to the United Way,” Greer said.
The United Way staff will also try to go out and take pictures of staff at various businesses taking part. They also want to create a buzz on social media.
The United Way campaign officially ends on Friday, Dec. 16, 2016 with an event at Cornwall Square.