While the United Way of Chatham-Kent has struggled to meet its fundraising goals over the past few years, this year’s chair is looking for ways to connect with more members of the community.
Elizabeth Downey-Sunnen wants to add a more personal touch to the campaign.
“I think people kind of get stuck in this (mindset of) “Yes, of course I give to the United Way and of course I want to help,” but it’s almost robotic,” she explains. “I want to look people in the eye and say what you do is more than just sign the form with your paycheque department, it’s incredibly impactful, thank you.”
The organization has always been grateful for larger, corporate support, but Downey-Sunnen would like to focus on individual donors as well.
“It’s easy enough for your company to kick in or pull it off your paycheque, but there are so many people in Chatham-Kent that don’t have that opportunity because they’re self-employed or whatever,” she says. “I’d really like to see a rise of individual donors that, through the goodness of their heart and their belief in the program, they boost it up.”
The fundraising goal for 2017 was announced on Friday night, with a target of $1,725,000.