It doesn’t seem like that long ago for Community Coordinator, Katina Matheson that the United Way opened in the Nipissing region. From small beginnings, though, the organization has raised over $500,000 in support of a growing number of programs and initiatives. However, Matheson said they planned on working on plenty more than just raising funds in the coming years.
“We’re really focusing on more than just the dollars this year, and it’s about creating that impact in the community that helps the individuals,” she said. “We started small and it has grown significantly over the past few years and we have a lot of potential moving forward.”
Thursday morning marked the beginning of the United Way’s fifth annual campaign in Nipissing—with a goal to raise $170,000 by the end of the year.
“We have been fortunate to work with generous donors and partners who have made these last four years a great success by investing in change in the Nipissing community,” Matheson said. “I am eager for this year’s campaign to get underway and to continue their great work.”
Part of this initiative is the LCBO ‘Give at the till’ campaign, in which patrons can donate $2. $5, or $10 in addition to their purchase from September 22 through to October 9. All funds raised within local stores will be used to support local programs and individuals.
To kick things off, Honourary Co-Chair, Shawn Venasse, who is a participant of PADDLE, received—on behalf of the United Way—a corporate donation of $3,500 from RBC Royal Bank—one of their many workplace partners. Venasse was also pleased to thank members of the Nipissing community for their support.
Executive Director, Michael Cullen said he was excited about the United Way's future plans to delve deeper into providing communities with a better quality of life, not only through raising funds but by building strong partnerships with local organisations.
"United Way is accountable to making our community stronger, more vibrant, and a better place to live, work, and raise our families," he said.
For more information on United Way Sudbury and Nipissing Districts, including their partnerships and funding initiatives, you can visit their website here.
