On Friday, United Way Sudbury & Nipissing Districts officially wrapped up its fifth Nipissing Campaign.
Currently 15 programs and initiatives in the Nipissing District are supported by United Way.
The 2016 campaign raised $167,000 which will continue to support local needs. In 2015, United Way helped 5,563 people in the Nipissing District.
“While we tend to get caught up in numbers and details, the campaign total is not our primary target or goal each year," stated Katina Matheson, Community Coordinator.
"Rather, we are more concerned about the individuals that rely heavily upon services supported by United Way. The 5,563 individuals that we helped last year is the number that I am most interested in. We will soon know how many people we helped in 2016 but I am already thinking about how our campaign efforts and our community partnerships will allow us to grow that number in 2017 so that more individuals are able to access services and utilize local resources.
"Although faced with challenges early this year due to local business closures and tough economic times, this year’s United Way campaign made up a lot of lost ground due to the extraordinary work of local workplaces. This year’s event recognized a few of the volunteers and workplace partners who contributed to the overall effort:
Team Spirit Award – Union Gas
Community Giving Award – Canadore Social Service Worker Program
Workplace Champion Award – Tina Filion, Service Canada and Joanne Griffiths, Defence Construction Canada
Rising Star Award – Ministry of Community and Social Services and Ministry of Child and Youth Services
Speakers Bureau Award – Lana Mitchell, LIPI
Cornerstone Award ($25,000+) – LCBO
"I am very excited to be Co-chair of this campaign with my friend Shawn Venasse,” stated Jesse Nadeau, PADDLE participant. “United Way has been very good to the PADDLE Program . We would like United Way and the other community agencies to know we are very proud of them. Way to go!"
This year’s Community Celebration highlighted growth among community partners, local initiatives, and available resources to local residents.
Executive Director, Michael Cullen, shared information on a specific initiative to assist low-income individuals with Home Weatherization upgrades that will assist in managing utility costs on a restricted budget. This is done in partnership with Union Gas. United Way also supports training and development opportunities among local organizations as well as the 2-1-1 human services hotline.
“Going forward, these partnerships will allow United Way to address more complex needs and underlying challenges through more than just financial support for agencies," said Cullen.
"We will also be able to assist in accessing programs and initiatives that are coordinated on a regional level.”
“We hear about cutbacks and growing needs year after year. And each year, we have wonderful workplaces who partner with United Way to assist others in the community and meet these needs,” adds Matheson. “All of our donors are making an impact and investing in a strong and healthy North Bay and area. We would like to thank all employees who contribute to the United Way Campaign and thank OPSEU for hosting us for our celebration this year."
Since opening a North Bay office in 2012, United Way has raised over $725,000 in five years. All the dollars raised in the Nipissing District remain local and fund Nipissing programs that address the needs of our social service sector. For more information on United Way or its member agencies, please contact Katina Matheson, by phone: 705-223-3330 ext. 300 or by email: [email protected].
