I love it when exciting things happen in our community, and there are definitely some exciting things happening in south Niagara right now.
As United Way of South Niagara’s annual campaign gets ready to wrap up, I’ve been reviewing some of the great things local organizations have done for us this year.
How about the concept of a “United Way Day” at local Catholic schools? I think it’s a great idea.
John Crocco, chair of our Welland campaign this year, is education director for Niagara Catholic District School Board (NCDSB) and one of the things he’s done is create United Way Day in all of the board’s schools.
On April 25 all classes at all board schools will have age-appropriate lessons about the United Way; the board office and all eight secondary schools will fly the United Way flag; and something “symbolic” will happen that day.
John said he would like to see all students and staff surrounding their schools holding hands, or something similar, to represent the hand logo of the United Way.
In the future, United Way Day will take place the fourth Wednesday of every April. John hopes students will be inspired to write poems, songs or create other pieces of art.
The day isn’t just about raising funds for the United Way of South Niagara, which is important, it is about raising awareness and educating students about what we do and why the United Way is an important community organization. For us, that translates into long-term support and a more sustainable funding system.
This year NCDSB also did its share of fundraising. The board, under the leadership of the board’s United Way campaign chair, Susan Baxter, set a goal of raising $10,000 more than it did last year. Through canvassers in each of the board’s 65 locations, payroll deductions, donations and events the board increased it’s giving by 58%, going well above this year’s goal by increasing giving by $15,186.
NCDSB isn’t the only place great things are happening for the United Way of South Niagara.
At Niagara College the in house campaign raised more than $3,000 more than last year, giving a total of just more than $26,000. David Jastrubecki, co-chair of the college’s campaign, said Niagara College is in a great position to run fundraisers for the United Way of South Niagara because of the talents within the various departments.
Prizes from departments within the college were used as incentives to give, he explained, and included cooking with the college’s chefs, certificates from the college’s greenhouse and lunch with the president.
We also benefited from the college’s athletics department, which donated entry fees from some big games and organized events specifically to support the United Way.
David says the United Way is an easy organization to support, and I couldn’t agree more. It deals with need in our local communities, he pointed out, and David suggests there isn’t someone in south Niagara who has not been touched by our work, through the agencies we support.
Sadly, that is likely true but it’s something we’re working to change, through our three priority focuses and our commitment to sustainable solutions.
I know there are other, great things going on for the United Way of South Niagara. To hear more about this year’s campaign successes and to get ready for next year, join us at the 48th annual general meeting and celebration breakfast.
The AGM will be held this coming Wednesday with 7:30 a.m. registration for an 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. breakfast and meeting at Sparrow Lakes Golf Course, 105 South Pelham Rd., Welland. Cost is $15 per person. For more information call 905-735-0490 or e-mail office@southniagara.unitedway.ca.
3 Comments
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You have very nicely articulated this blog. I loved to read your blogs, you are truly amazing.Thanks for sharing the post.
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The United Way of South Niagara has stayed the course.The top 10 fundraising events were also recognized as was a long list of United Way sponsors. It's really a great thing.
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russ brown
336 days ago
Yes everyone loves when something good happens good in the community.It's really very important to create awareness and educating students about what we do and why the United Way is an important community organization.Once i had visited NCDSB and was really surprised.Congrats for your campaign successes.And i will definitely attend the 48th general meeting.
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