KINGSTON, ON (Nov. 30, 2017) The United Way of KFL&A announced today that the annual campaign goal has been reached, raising $3,504,001. The goal of $3.5 million was the highest in the United Way’s 75-year history. The announcement was made this morning in front of 500 volunteers at the Campaign Touchdown Breakfast hosted by Ambassador Conference Resort and sponsored by TD Bank Group.
Today’s announcement includes money in to date as well as donations that are not in yet but traditionally come in December. United Way will continue to accept donations as workplaces wrap up fundraising events and individuals plan their giving to coincide with the holidays.
The money raised by the campaign will start being distributed locally almost immediately. United Way volunteers will carefully review funding applications and make recommendations to the United Way Board of Directors in the coming weeks. Some of the funds have also been directed by donors to other registered charities.
“It was a lot of fun to be a part of the campaign here in Kingston, Frontenac, Lennox & Addington. I am very proud of what our community was able to accomplish, and want people to know their donation makes a huge difference; that every dollar counts,” said Pat Murphy 2017 campaign chair. “It is incredible to see the donations come in from individuals and employees. This is an amazing effort by volunteers and staff in our community and I am proud of what they have achieved.”
At the Touchdown event, Mayor Bryan Paterson announced that an additional $800,000 — 50 per cent of the profits from this year’s Kingston Penitentiary Tours — will be dedicated to supporting United Way’s community youth homelessness initiative. (This amount is on top of the $3.5 million announcement.) This is the second year for the tours, organized by St. Lawrence Parks Commission in partnership with Correctional Service Canada. The contribution from last year’s tours, $322,000, was also invested in the youth homelessness initiative as well as pilot programs to help youth at risk in Kingston and area.
“We are very grateful to receive this support,” added Murphy. “The KP Tour money, through the United Way’s youth homelessness initiative, will once again make a difference in the lives of vulnerable youth.”
About United Way
The vision of United Way KFL&A is a future where people are self-sufficient in a community, where individuals live with hope, dignity and a sense of belonging. Visit www.unitedwaykfla.ca for more information.
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Media Contact:
Pat Murphy, 2017 Campaign Chair, Secura Financial
Tel: 613-548-1884 x222, patrickmurphy@securafinancial.com
Bhavana Varma, United Way KFL&A
Tel: 613 542 2674 ext 1101, bvarma@unitedwaykfla.ca
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