The United Way of Chatham-Kent is hoping to raise $1.9 million this year.
Co-chair Patricia Wright says helping the organization is a very personal experience for her.
“Having been a recipient of many of the services that are out there, it especially hits home for us,” Wright says. “So it means that much more for us to be able to give back.”
Co-chair Steve Pratt says as both he and Patricia have benefited from United Way services, their stories put a face to the need.
“People will actually be able to see that your dollars are working, they are changing lives in our community,” Pratt says. “We are only two of 38,000 stories last year. We know a lot of the other folks through the agencies we’re connected with, and that’s why we’re here to make sure that we can keep providing those services for them.”
Nearly $280,000 has already been donated by organizations and businesses to kick off the campaign.