Golf Fore Change
Our Annual Golf Fore Change event takes place on the first Friday of July. With 10 years of this event under our belt we are pleased to continue to see its size and support grow. This day would not be possible without our wonderful volunteers, generous sponsors, our awesome golfers, and of course Abercrombie Golf and Country Club. This is a fun filled day with loads of prizes, an 18-hole golf scramble, dinner, and silent auction, not to mention the competition and comradery. Golf Fore Change is one of the many contributing events to our campaign fund, with direct links back to the local area. This event is one you surely won’t want to miss out on!
Backpacks for Kids
With the state of today’s economy, the need for support in our community continues to grow. In 2023, we have identified the demand for over 400 backpacks to be delivered throughout our community, as approximately 1500 school-aged children live in low-income households. The needs assessment is based on feedback from Pictou County school principals, as well as community partners. The Backpacks for Kids program is a major summer project at the United Way of Pictou County. It ensures that young community members are supported and set on the right foot to start the new school year. This annual drive helps to ensure kids are included and well equipped for their learning, pushing them toward a brighter future. This of course would not be possible without our generous community members. You can help by donating money or school supplies to our cause!
Kids Clothing Drive
New to the United Way of Pictou County this year! Our kids' clothing drive is a community initiative aimed at collecting new or gently used clothing items specifically for children. The drive focuses on gathering essential items such as rubber boots, winter gear, gym clothing, sneakers, and more for lower-income students in our community. The collected clothes will be distributed to children in need, ensuring they have appropriate attire for various activities and seasons.
United Way Annual Campaign
Running from September to December, the goal of our annual campaign is to raise funds to reinvest into local community programs and agencies, which can be found under the funding opportunities tab. We greatly appreciate the support and enthusiasm shown by our donors as 2022 was a record breaking campaign year for the United Way of Pictou County, with a total of $426 068 raised. We hope to continue breaking records which cannot be done without the help and generosity of our community!
Pulling for Change
The Pulling for Change event takes place in the fall at the Pictou County Wellness Centre, and represents our official campaign kickoff. Teams participate in a competition to pull a 20,000 pound fire truck. This event raises funds for our community through team registration fees and sponsorships. It provides us the opportunity to highlight the work of the United Way, while at the same time allowing us to enjoy the spirit of competition through the participants and the spectators.
Toy Drive
The annual Toy Drive takes place during the first weekend of December, in partnership with Stingray Radio and the North Nova Jeep Club. This toy drive event is a big draw in the community as we work together to spread the joy of the holidays to families in need around the county, which is why we are so proud to be a part of this cause. No donation is too small, so please come out and support the children of your community!
Cupcake and/or Gingerbread House Decorating
Each year, the United Way of Pictou County hosts a Cupcake and/or Gingerbread House Decorating Event in the month of December. This event is full of fun for kids, allowing them to socialize and get creative while supporting a great cause. Funds raised during this event are put toward our annual campaign goal. For exact dates and further details, be sure to keep an eye out on our social media pages… you may even get to meet Santa!
Province of Nova Scotia Annual Campaign Events
The Province of Nova Scotia also hosts their own set of annual campaign events. These three events (explained below) form the Triathlon of Hope. There is no requirement to participate in all three events but we would live to see you there. This is a great chance to socialize, get active, and support a great cause!
Ride for the United Way
This annual cycling event is about 20 km long and contributes to United Way funding in Nova Scotia. This event typically occurs in the month of May, and has many locations around the province, including our very own Jitney Trail in Pictou. 2023 was the second year of this event and it raised approximately $9000 province wide already. Each cyclist must raise $150 to participate. Any further questions can be sent to MaryLou.Burke@novascotia.ca - we hope to see you there!
Nova Scotia Harbour Swim
The annual Harbour Swim event takes place in early September at many locations in the province, including the Pictou Harbour! Participants will swim 1500m in 40 minutes and must raise at least $150 in pledges. Funding raised through the Harbour Swim will be used to support the United Way campaign. This event is a fun way to get involved in fundraising while enjoying what may be your last swim of the summer season! For more details and any questions please reach out to MaryLou.Burke@novascotia.ca !
Run/Walk for the United Way
This past December, the Province of Nova Scotia hosted their first annual Run/Walk for the United Way as the final triathlon event and a closing of the annual campaign. Funds raised are distributed to United Way branches throughout the province. Currently this event takes place in Halifax Regional Municipality and Colchester, but we are looking to bring it to the Pictou County area soon. It is 1/10th of a marathon (4.21km) in length and we have seen an approximate turnout of 30 participants in the past year. We are hoping to see this event grow even bigger in the future. For more information please contact MaryLou.Burke@novascotia.ca !
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With all events listed please note that more details will be shared as their respective time comes closer, keep an eye out on social media. We could not do what we do without you! These events help build awareness of the United Way and spread local love!
United Way of Pictou County is located in Mi'kma'ki, the ancestral and unceded territory of the Mi'kmaq people.