The United Way of S.D. & G. launched its annual fundraising campaign this morning at Cornwall’s Best Western Parkway Inn. Deputy Chief Danny Aikman (Cornwall Police Service) was announced as chair of the 2009 campaign. Chief Dan Parkinson spoke for Deputy Chief Aikman who was unable to attend due to illness. Chief Parkinson quoted Aikman as being honoured to have been asked as Chair and believes the $622,500 goal this year is very attainable and is confident of success.
Guest Speaker, Max Keeping, vice president of CTV News Ottawa spoke of Cornwall always taking care of its own stressing that “we are those people”. Keeping also commented on local United Way agencies and how the Success By 6 programs ensure children get a good start in life. Keeping continued on, highlighting the Tri-County Literacy Council, its mission and the grim realization that one in five in Ontario cannot read adequately to understand instructions on a simple medication bottle.
Keeping took time to lament on his passion for United Way and his long history with the United Way of S.D. & G and how he believes we can obtain whatever we need in order to help our community. The assembled crowd of close to 200 could hear a pin drop as Keeping spoke eloquently about United Way, the volunteers and the community.
Dominique Payment, recruitment manager of StarTek was introduced to announce a partnership with United Way of S.D. & G. whereby new or ongoing donors who register or re-register for the payroll deduction option through their workplace will be entered in a draw to win a Caribbean cruise for two to St. Thomas, St. Maarten and Nassau. Payment unveiled the prize value at $5700.00 and urged those who do not currently offer a payroll deduction to make arrangements by contacting the United Way office.
As expected, corporate business came forward to kick start the campaign Initial donations were received from Freedom 55, Cornwall Electric, Kraft Foods Ingleside, Scotiabank seven regional branches, and Pommier Jewelers. An additional $650 was realized through a mini auction for front row box seats to an upcoming Ottawa Senators game courtesy of Max Keeping as well as one of Keepings infamous ties from his ever growing collection. United Local United way president Kevin Wilson advised that this year’s campaign is “out of the blocks with an impressive start, $90,212.00 or 14% of the goal.
Wilson also thanked StarTek for underwriting the cost of the breakfast. Star Tek has chosen the United Way as its charity of choice for the duration of the campaign.
United Way launches campaign
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