PERTH - Lanark County United Way has beaten its 25th anniversary fundraising goal by more than $42,000.
While it set its 2012 fundraising goal for $330,000 last fall, it ended up collecting $372,820 at the end.
“It’s the most that Lanark County United Way has made in its 25 year history,” said Sarah Bridson, executive director of the United Way of Lanark County, at the campaign wrap-up celebrations in the Lanark County council chambers in Perth on Thursday, Feb. 21. “We had a really good campaign this year.”
Fraser Scantlebury, the United Way’s fund development officer, singled out the employees of the Lanark County government for their efforts in fundraising – which, monetarily, have outstripped other municipalities.
“The employees of Lanark County are one of the strongest groups we have,” said Scantlebury. “The other municipalities have a way to go…(They) lead the way in payroll deductions for us,” along with employees at Lanark Lodge.
However, Scantlebury hastened to add that donations by municipalities were all up this year.
As the economy continues to face challenges, Scantlebury pointed to a number of reasons why giving was up.
“Some of our individual donors increased their donations, which was nice to see,” said Scantlebury. “(Also) the people who live here but work in Ottawa…their money did not drop off. I was really surprised with that.”
Another good resource was the My Town’s Got Talent show which grew on its strength from last year, with 150 new donors giving to the charity because of the show. He also commended the LCBO stores in the county for their hard work.
“The community responded,” said Scantlebury. “There is a real need in the county…The community understands. The government can’t do it all.”
Amongst the corporate sponsors, Scantlebury singled out Perth’s 3M, as well as Eaton electronics and the Community Care Access Centre in Carleton Place, the latter of which boasts an 80 per cent participation rate.
There are 16 member agencies that make up the United Way in the county.
“I don’t work for the United Way,” said Scantlebury. “I work for 16 people. I work for 16 member agencies.”