United Way of Pictou County Raises over $327,000
Each year since 1960, the United Way of Pictou County (UWPC) has an annual fundraising campaign, with a monetary goal set by the campaign team and Board of Directors (BOD).
However, in 2020 they realized that due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the capacity for many individual donors, group, organizations, and companies to offer support may have changed.
Campaign Chair, Marc Comeau noted that “given the many challenges surrounding the pandemic, instead of a dollar amount, our goal was to raise as much money as we could so that we could positively impact as many lives as possible during these uncertain times”.
David and Monique Fearon volunteered as this year’s Leaders of the Way Co-Chairs. “Initially we simply asked donors that if they were able to contribute, they consider supporting the United Way at whatever level they could. As the campaign progressed, we were pleasantly surprised to engage quite a few new donors. In addition, many loyal supporters increased their gifts over their previous year’s contributions.”
“The United Way is excited to announce that $327,655.93 has been raised for our community this year. This total surpassed the 2019 amount by over $11,000!” said Board Chair, Richard Carter. “This support helps ensure that we can keep our community strong, connected and supported now and for years to come.”
As a direct result of the generosity of United Way donors, 22 local agencies/donees and 26 local programs/services are being funded this year. These include:
- CHAD Transit - Sunday Drives for Seniors and Those Socially Isolated
- Family Services of Eastern Nova Scotia - Family Subsidy Program
- G.R. Saunders Elementary (CCRCE) – Food Security Program
- Highland Community Residential Services (HCRS) - Out and About Program
- Highland Community Residential Services (HCRS) - United in Friendship Program and/or Saturday Respite (program is determined by COVID restrictions)
- McCulloch Education Centre (CCRCE) – Food Security Program
- New Glasgow Academy (CCRCE) - Panther Pantry Lunch Program
- North Nova Education Centre (CCRCE) – Food Security Program
- Pictou Academy (CCRCE) – Food Security Program
- Pictou County Continuous Learning Association (PiCCoLA) - Improved Literacy Through Nutritious Eating
- Pictou Co. Opportunity for Men Association - New Leaf Program - Changing Male Conversations
- Pictou County Roots for Youth Society – Back on Track, Supporting Homeless Youth
- Pictou County Seniors Council - Seniors Outreach Coordinator
- Pictou County Women's Resource and Sexual Assault Centre - Girls Leadership Program
- Pictou County Women's Resource and Sexual Assault Centre - Mapping Our Road to Power and Healing Program (MORPH)
- Pictou United Church - Cases for Smiles (non-denominational)
- Pictou United Church - Seeds of Hope Community Garden (non-denominational)
- Scotsburn Elementary (CCRCE) – Food Security Program
- Tearmann Society for Abused Women - House Coordinator
- The John Howard Society of Nova Scotia - COVID-19 Relief – Food Security, Health and Hygiene, Employment and Transportation.
- Trenton Elementary (CCRCE) – Food Security Program
- Trenton Middle School (CCRCE) – Food Security Backpack Program
- Trenton Middle School (CCRCE) - Personal Care Items Locker
- Viola's Place Society - Back Shift Employee
- West Pictou Consolidated (CCRCE) – Food Security Program
- 211 Nova Scotia
In addition, $17,413.15 in donor designations will also be provided to 20 other Registered Canadian Charities through the UWPC.
Kaylin Comeau-Leil, Young Leaders Chair, commented: “By giving to the United Way, you have the power to change lives. You can see how your donation makes a difference in our community, and how far a donation can go to help someone in need.”
“Pictou County is known as a community that consistently steps up to support one another. Neighbours helping neighbours is the spirt that empowers and moves us forward in positive ways. This year, people have shown their concern, compassion, and kindness more than ever!” says Executive Director, Ellen Fanning. “We are truly humbled by their generosity, and we thank everyone for continuing to value us as a trusted community partner”.
Photo from top left-right:
- Ellen Fanning, UWPC Executive Director
- Ginger Fitt, UWPC BOD - 1st Vice President
- Kim MacKinnon, UWPC BOD – 2nd Vice President
- Aaron Millen, UWPC BOD – Past President
- Matt March, UWPC BOD – Treasurer
- Marc Comeau, Campaign Chair
- Monique Fearon, Leaders of the Way Co-Chair
- David Fearon, Leaders of the Way Co-Chair
- Kaylin Comeau-Leil, Young Leaders of the Way Chair
- Laura Clarke, UWPC BOD and Community Investment Chair
- Trudy Teed, UWPC BOD and Community Investment Committee
- John (Jon) Keachie – Jack Pink UWPC Volunteer of the Year 2020
- Leslie Otter- Community Investment Committee
- Thivjan Tharmaratnam, UWPC BOD
- Susan Muirhead, UWPC BOD
- Russell Borden, UWPC BOD
- Sarah Gunn, UWPC BOD
- Skye MacDonald, UWPC BOD
- Jim MacConnell, Leaders of the Way Canvasser
- Amanda Hill, Leaders of the Way Canvasser
- Elaine White, UWPC Resource Development / Administrative Coordinator
- Howie Anderson, Leaders of the Way Canvasser
- Ray Wagg, Leaders of the Way Canvasser
- Richard Carter, UWPC BOD - President
- Missing from photo: Michael Lawrence, Community Investment Committee