For the second year in a row, the Sarnia-Lambton United Way campaign kicked off without the usual fanfare of the annual Day of Caring.
Executive Director Dave Brown said despite the quieter launch to the fundraising effort, they're already off to a great start and have raised $400,000, or 23 per cent of the $1.75 million target.
Brown said this year's campaign will focus on raising funds in three key areas, All That Kids Can Be, Healthy People, Strong Communities and From Poverty to Possibility.
"We do know that the needs are higher," said Brown. "We've seen inflation rates of 4.1 per cent just recently announced. That's really affecting those people who are just barely keeping their heads above water, and so we're doing whatever we can to help those families out right here in our community."
Brown said after having to make some big adjustments in 2020 due to the pandemic, they're better prepared for online giving and fewer in-person events.
"We do know that there are less people working this year than in other years, we know businesses are struggling and some businesses are no longer here," he said. "So, we're really hopeful that we're going to pick up some new donors and some new companies that will come on and support the campaign, to help make up for some of those losses."
The United Way helps fund 20 local agencies providing 40 programs and services.
Despite a very challenging year, last year's campaign raised just over 90 per cent of its target.
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