United Way Lanark County sets goal for fall campaign at Almonte launch Carleton Place Almonte Canadian Gazette By Tiffany Lepack The United Way Lanark County (UWLC) impacted 8,000 people in the county last year. This year, the UWLC 27th annual fall fundraising campaign goal is to impact 8,500 people. The UWLC held its kick-off breakfast at the Mill Street Crepe Company in Almonte on Sept. 24 to give thanks to the community for the support and let them know the impact they have had in Almonte. In 2013, the UWLC raised $205,500 for the 16 member agencies in Lanark County. Last year the campaign impacted nearly 8,000 people in the county. Thats one in eight, said Fraser Scantlebury, executive director of UWLC. The goal this year is to impact 8,500 people... You are making a very strong impact on your community, every dollar that is raised in Lanark County stays in Lanark County. Mississippi Mills mayor John Levi told the large breakfast crowd that he was really happy everyone was able to attend. UWLC does so much for our community, said Levi. I know it will be a very successful campaign. Good luck! The UWLC handed out three certificates of recognition during the event: two to Almonte General Hospital and Mills Community Support for their employees making payroll deductions to last years campaign. They both donated a significant amount of money, said Scantlebury. The third was a certificate of thanks to the shops and businesses of Heritage Court for hosting the 2013 Mississippi Mills UWLC kick-off breakfast. Kate Hallas, UWLC fund development officer, gave a presentation on the history of the organization and what they do in the community. Hallas explained that United Way started in Canada in 1917 and has been in Lanark County for 27 years. The current logo was adapted in 1972. The rainbow symbolizes hope for a secure happy future, the person represents the giver and those who receive help and the hand is extended to help people. Its a symbol of hope, service and help, said Hallas. Impact Scantlebury reminded those gathered that Change Starts Here. He then explained three areas that UWLC focuses on: From Poverty to Possibility, Healthy People, Strong Communities and All That Kids Can Be. Scantlebury introduced Marilyn Anderson, who he called an institution in Almonte and who also accesses services from Mills Community Support. He then asked her what the Mills means to her. They are marvelous, said Anderson. They take us here there and everywhere. Some weeks we have four places to go...its wonderful because I dont drive anymore and its great to get out and about. They make everyone feel so comfortable. Scantlebury explained that UWLC gives money to the Mills to help the volunteers pay for gas on the outings. He then asked Anderson what her life would be like without the Mills. I wouldnt get out as much, Anderson answered, matter of factly. If we can keep seniors involved in the community they can have a much better quality of life, added Scantlebury. Kim Dreifields from the Canadian Hearing Society, which is also funded by the UWLC, gave the Unfair Hearing Test which had a recording play with three different sets of words read out that stimulated three different hearing loss scenarios; what it would sound like if a person was losing their hearing, a ringing in the ear and what it sounds like with a hearing aid in. Each person in attendance had to write the words down and most were unsuccessful. Dreifields asked people what it felt like as they tried to complete the test. Some of the answers were humbling and frustrating. I saw a lot of you leaning forward, cupping your ears or just putting your pen down in frustration, said Dreifields. It puts you in the shoes of consumers (hearing aids). Heroes For just $1 a day you can be an everyday hero. An easy way to donate to the UWLC is via pay roll deductions for the year. At the Mills Community Supports recent fourth annual Seniors Expo, Mary Redman donated her staycation prize of two nights at local bed and breakfasts back to the organization and the Mills decided to donate this to the UWLC. Anyone who signs up for payroll deductions will be entered to win the staycation prize. Other ways to donate to UWLC include cheque, credit card or online at lanarkunitedway
Posted on: Fri, 03 Oct 2014 02:00:01 +0000
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