Jessie Rabbitt speaks with volunteers Haris Mulalic (left) and Brian Heaman (right) during the 'Day of Caring.' September 11, 2018. (Photo by Colin Gowdy, BlackburnNews)Jessie Rabbitt speaks with volunteers Haris Mulalic (left) and Brian Heaman (right) during the 'Day of Caring.' September 11, 2018. (Photo by Colin Gowdy, BlackburnNews)
Sarnia

'Day of Caring' helps 92-year-old homeowner (GALLERY)

About 250 volunteers were hard at work Tuesday as the United Way of Sarnia-Lambton officially kicked off its 2018 campaign with the 25th annual Day of Caring.

A total of 28 sponsoring companies released their employees to do light construction work, gardening, and home maintenance at 48 job sites across the community.

Four volunteers helped 92-year-old Jessie Rabbitt with yard work at her Sarnia home.

Rabbitt said it's an overwhelming feeling to have people she's never met lend her a hand.

"Just knowing that they are connecting with me," said Rabbit. "This is my second year, and in the winter there were some people who wanted to do something, so I feel like the poster child. They're really giving me the best."

Rabbitt said the event really shows the power of volunteering.

"You don't go up to a person on the street and say you look strong, do you have a shovel? They bring the people and the equipment, and they don't ask anything of me," she said.

Rabbit said she's lucky that she has a daughter who moved here, but most people have nobody.

The Day of Caring is the biggest one-day volunteer event in the community each year.

It marks the start of the annual United Way fundraising campaign that is approaching 20 per cent of its $2 million goal.

Volunteers at Jessie Rabbitts Sarnia home during the 25th annual United Ways Day of Caring. September 11, 2018. (Photo by Colin Gowdy, BlackburnNews)Volunteers at Jessie Rabbitts Sarnia home during the 25th annual United Ways Day of Caring. September 11, 2018. (Photo by Colin Gowdy, BlackburnNews)

Jessie Rabbitt speaks with volunteer Barb Bodkin during the 'Day of Caring.' September 11, 2018. (Photo by Colin Gowdy, BlackburnNews)Jessie Rabbitt speaks with volunteer Barb Bodkin during the 'Day of Caring.' September 11, 2018. (Photo by Colin Gowdy, BlackburnNews)

Jessie Rabbitt speaks with volunteer Barb Bodkin and her daughter Mary while volunteer Haris Mulalic prepares to trim a tree. September 11, 2018. (Photo by Colin Gowdy, BlackburnNews)Jessie Rabbitt speaks with volunteer Barb Bodkin and her daughter Mary while volunteer Haris Mulalic prepares to trim a tree. September 11, 2018. (Photo by Colin Gowdy, BlackburnNews)

Jessie Rabbitt stands in her backyard during the United Way's Day of Caring. September 11, 2018. (Photo by Colin Gowdy, BlackburnNews)Jessie Rabbitt stands in her backyard during the United Way's Day of Caring. September 11, 2018. (Photo by Colin Gowdy, BlackburnNews)

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