The United Way Leeds & Grenville kicked off its Fall 2019 Fundraising Campaign at Fulford Academy (who generously sponsored our event) last week. Dignitaries, volunteers, partner agencies, workplace campaign champions, donors and some of the citizens who they serve were treated to a lovely breakfast. NHL Player, author and motivational speaker, Doug Smith, shared his remarkable story of trauma, healing and renewal. He talked about his life’s journey to where he is today and how to thrive in transition. He said that we are born with two powers: the power to choose and the power to act; that we have dreams and imagination to motivate us; reflection to learn and appreciate the results. And the path to high performance is based on teamwork, support and belief. To make a positive difference in other people’s lives we must work together.
Doug’s messages and approach aligned with the messages given by United Way Executive Director, Trish Buote, and Board of Directors Vice Chair, Shannon Brown. They talked about some of the challenges in our community that cannot be #unignorable. That we must work together collectively as businesses, social services agencies, elected officials, educators and our citizens to uncover the true systemic needs of the community and provide opportunity for well-being for all of Leeds & Grenville. It’s about becoming #unignorable to ourselves and to the people whose life we were meant to change.
The Campaign Cabinet helped announce this year’s Campaign Target of $800,000. Trish Buote said: “We have set a target that we feel is achievable and will help many, many people in need in our community. We are fully committed to raising this target and will always aim to exceed it. Our United Way is in a year of transition, not only on how we raise needed funds, but also on our ability to focus on our commitment to mobilize our community to make a difference in key systemic issues that result in lasting positive change”
Paul Gardiner presented a cheque for $4,000 raised at this year’s Automotion event. Along with the $1,000 in raffle money raised, the overall contribution was a whopping $5,000! This was a wonderful start to the campaign.
For those wishing to donate to the United Way Leeds & Grenville, please visit our website at www.uwlg.org, or call the office at 613-342-8889.
Submitted photo.
