United Way of Sarnia-Lambton campaign in its final stretch (2025)

With just a couple of weeks to go, the United Way is starting to feel the effects of the current postal dispute and a slowing economy.

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“We still have $340,000 to go to reach our 2024 goal of $1,487,000,” said campaign chair Mike Edgar.

“We are hoping everybody who donated last year, will do so again. That is our strategy over the remaining two of three weeks, since we are starting to trend downward” Edgar said.

All of the campaign events for the 2024 United Way fundraising year are complete, including a final bake sale at Imperial Oil, and a grab-and-go lunch at Kent Engineering this week, so the focus now is on individual donors and wrapping up the last employee campaigns still underway.

“Watch for follow-up emails from the United Way, and an increased social media and traditional media presence until the end of the year,” Edgar said.

The United Way funds 17 local agencies which provide 29 programs and services.

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The largest amount of funding is invested in poverty-related programs and services. The United Way is funding two homeless shelters, including Rivercity Vineyard in Sarnia, and the Walpole Island First Nations warming shelter. “We know our funding to those programs alone is having a huge effect on people who need emergency shelter, and the support they need to turn their lives around,” Edgar said.

“A large part of our funding is going to support individuals and families to enable them to remain in their own homes and reduce the chances of homelessness. We are funding school breakfast and nutrition programs in schools across Lambton County through the VON. We also fund food and nutrition programs at the Salvation Army and in three youth resource houses provided by the YMCA, which are located in low-income neighbourhoods. A housing program through the John Howard Society is also provided with United Way funding,” Edgar said.

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Edgar added that these programs are proven effective, and pointed to the Inn of the Good Shepherd’s income tax program as an example. “We know that those who went to the Inn to get their income taxes done last year received tax credits, and other subsidies such as child tax credits, which is enough for them to keep their heads above water and, as a result, over one-third of them do not have to access the Inn for any other supports helping to ensure more programs and food etc., are available for those people most in need,” Edgar said.

Additional youth funding for Big Brothers Big Sisters, BGC, (formerly the Boys and Girls Club, and Rebound, mentor youth and give them the tools and support they need to reach their full potential. “We are helping break the cycle of poverty while at the same time, teaching children, the importance of a good education, problem-solving and decision-making skills, and even conflict resolution skills,” Edgar said.

To donate, please visit the United Way website at www.theunitedway.on.ca. Sarnia-Lambton residents can also call the United Way office in Sarnia at 519-336-5452 to facilitate their donation over the phone, or stop by the office at 1362 Lambton Mall Road, near Kumon, and make their contribution in person.

“We will even pick up your donation if you would prefer, or if you are near our office after hours, donations can be dropped off through the mail slot at Kumon anytime day or night,” Edgar said.

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