The local organization that supports 36 agencies has raised about half of this year’s goal of $2,142,000. While the active campaign, launched Sept. 10, wraps up Nov. 30, donations will continue to pour in through to the end of December. If the United Way reaches its goal, it will be able to adequately fund the member agencies, which rely on the United Way each year, notes Len Lifchus.

Len says the community support thus far has been promising in helping the United Way reach its goal.

“The campaign is very positive.”

“The community has been very receptive to the need.” While last year the United Way raised more than ever, it still fell short of $120,000. That’s how much more the agency is hoping to raise this year. “If we don’t raise the extra $120,000, agencies will face (an across-the-board) reduction in funding,” says Len. “Last year, we were able to bail out the agencies from some reserve funds we have but of course that money is now gone.”

Throughout the campaign, the United Way has more than a dozen fundraisers including Breakfast with the Petes and Soup Fest. On Nov. 26, the United Way holds a sports auction fundraiser at Jake’s Neighbourhood Grill on Lansdowne Street West. Tickets are $25 and include dinner.
However, the bulk of the donations come in through individual and workplace campaigns, says Len. He estimates there are approximately 11,800 donors.

Mailers soliciting donations were sent out to all of the homes in Peterborough city and county earlier this year. People can still donate by telephone or by stopping into the office on Stewart Street. A tax receipt for 2003 will still be issued if donations are received before Dec. 31.

Member agencies include: Big Brothers and Big Sisters Association of Peterborough, Canadian Hearing Society, Canadian Red Cross, Kawartha Sexual Assault Centre, Ontario Early Years Centre and the YMCA of Peterborough, among others.

For more information call (705) 742-8839.

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