United Way of Quinte fundraising for 46 agencies

By Trish Allison

Since the second week of September the United Way of Quinte has been running its campaign to raise funds for its 46 member agencies.

Now into the first week of November, they’re still going strong.

Judi Gilbert, executive director for the non-profit organization, said The United Way has had some impressive feats that include raising $1.63 million dollars last year.

“Anytime an organization can, with the help of the community raise $1.62 or $1.63 million, that is a significant success,” she said.

This year’s goal is roughly $1.65 million, and Gilbert has complete faith in this year being successful.

Thus far the campaign has raised 36 per cent of its goal, that’s roughly just over half a million dollars (approx. $594, 000).

“I think one of the things people should be aware of is that probably two in three people will somehow be touched by a United Way agency at some point in their lives,” said Gilbert.

The 46 agencies the United Way works for provide 80 programs through the Prince Edward and Hastings county area.

For example, with the help of this campaign the YMCA is able to fund Day Camps for children and provide memberships for families who wouldn’t otherwise be able to afford them.

“It’s really a safeguard now for people who are contributing to our campaign, they may not use it now, but perhaps one day they’ll have too,” she said.

The many agencies include the local YMCA, the Red Cross, CNIB (Canadian Institute for the Blind), Canadian Mental Health Association and Gleaner’s Food Bank.

“The people of our community need to be aware of those agencies, and I think that’s really important,” said Gilbert.

Without the risk of sounding cliché, Gilbert said that she wants people to know that every little bit helps.