United Way Unveils a Lofty Goal

The United Way of SDG kicked off the 2006 campaign at a breakfast sponsored by the Standard-Freeholder. In attendance were over 100 community leaders.

The breakfast began with welcomes from Executive Director Karen Turchetto and Board President Tim Kirkby.

Former Cornwall Royals and NHL hockey player, Jim Kyte was the guest speaker, and he spoke to the audience about his hearing loss and how he managed his 17-year NHL career. His sense of humour and his ability to overcome his hearing loss was inspiring and humbling at best.

Honorary Campaign Chair Dan Parkinson clearly put out a challenge to those who are currently on payroll deduction to review their contributions along with encouragement to others to sign up. He focused on the needs of the community from his policing and hands on experiences.

"The need is there, we see it when we pick up a mother and child to bring them to a shelter, or folks walking the streets with mental illness, frightened and alone.", said Chief Parkinson.

Campaign Manager Elaine Myers helped Chief Parkinson to unveil this year's goal: $857,000.

"Yes, it is an aggressive goal but the agencies need our help", said Elaine Myers. "With two new agencies this year along with the Success By 6 initiative and Community Matters projects, United Way of S.D. & G. cannot do it without your support."

Immediately after the unveiling, several people rose to announce their contribtions. Thse cheque presentations, added to the total of what has already been collected this year, means that the 2006 campaign starts with over $117,000, which is 15% of the goal.

Divisional Chairs, Sean Adams, Earl McBean, Elaine Burles, Lise Snider, Carol-Ann Rattray, Ted Kennedy, Wanda and Carol Duffy were announced for this year’s campaign. These fine volunteers are out there with their teams for the next three months raising awareness and money for the 18 member agencies of United Way.

A special thank you to interpreters Lainie and Louise from the Canadian Hearing Society, (a United Way member agency) who signed the entire meeting for those in the audience with hearing disabiltities. Thanks as well to Theresa Taylor for her impromptu call to auction when many of our guests donated their door prizes back. And finally, thanks to Leslie Parkinson, who kindly said grace to begin our breakfast kick-off!

It takes many people to run a United Way campaign, and this community can be proud of its involvement. Thank you to all of our media supporters who continue to support us all year round.

“Without you there would be NO WAY”

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