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Northumberland United Way Celebrates 2021 Campaign Achievements

Northumberland United Way is celebrating its 2021 campaign that raised more than $950,000 to support essential programs and services in our local community.

“We are so incredibly grateful for the spirit of generosity that exists in Northumberland County,” says Bobbie Dawson, CEO, Northumberland United Way. “Our incredible staff team, our donors and volunteers, and our community partners have made it possible to continue to support local programs and services. Thank you to each and every person who has contributed their time and resources in making this year a huge success.”

Last October, when Northumberland United Way kicked off its annual campaign, they challenged the community by asking, ‘What do you want for the future of Northumberland County?’

Since then, the community has responded in big ways. More than 5,000 individual gifts, 32 workplace campaigns, and 91 GEM (Give Every Month) donors came together to support this year’s campaign and help rebuild a stronger, more equitable Northumberland County.

This incredible generosity has led to incredible impact.

“Our annual campaign is about more than a fundraising goal. It’s about the thousands of individuals and families that we can support during their most difficult times,” says Bobbie. “As we reflect on the year, we’re grateful to be a small part of change in our community.”

In April, United Way welcomed its new annual community partners. A total of 9 organizations were granted year-round funding to support programs including seniors and in-home care, parenting programs, access to shelter, children’s and mentorship programs, and low-income assistance, to name a few.

In May, United Way, in partnership with Thrive Northumberland, celebrated its first anniversary of Period Promise, a program to address period poverty and advocate for equitable access. This year, more than 15 organizations were supported through the program and 12,000 products were supplied to individuals and families locally.

In June, Northumberland United Way adapted its annual Day of Caring to a Week of Caring for Northumberland Eats, which raised over $17,000 to support the food voucher program. This year, more than $140,000 as been invested in Northumberland Eats to provide 23,000 food vouchers to individuals and families experiencing food insecurity.

In August, Northumberland United Way was part of the first annual Northumberland Rocks Back. With an overwhelming amount of support, over $18,000 was donated to Northumberland United Way’s COVID-19 Community Relief Fund and granted to 8 local organizations providing emergency pandemic efforts.

As students prepared to return to the classroom in September, Northumberland United Way once again provided backpacks full of school supplies to students across Northumberland County. Additional backpacks were also provided to individuals experiencing homelessness and accessing warming rooms and shelters throughout the year.

Later that month, Northumberland United Way partnered with United Way Hastings & Prince Edward and a host of community collaborators to begin the Community Conversations project to start county-wide conversations around equity, diversity, and inclusion. This month, the group is hosting its first public sessions, and it is free to attend: www.mynuw.org/community-conversations-on-edi

Northumberland United Way has also distributed 50,000 disposable masks to social service organizations and their clients throughout the year, thanks to a generous donation from Nanoleaf and United Way Hastings & Prince Edward.

In November, United Way announced its second round of grant recipients. Five organizations were approved for $24,000 to provide grief support to those who lost a loved one during the pandemic, healthy and nutritious food to students, and emergency shelter assistance.

United Way continued to support 211 in partnership with Northumberland County to provide a free and confidential helpline to connect individuals with local social services. If you or someone you know is struggling, dial 2-1-1 or visit www.211ontario.ca.

Finally, in February, Northumberland United Way transitioned its COVID-19 Community Relief Fund to become the Community Recovery Fund. United Way recognized that responding to the impact of COVID-19 is no longer about short-term relief and is committed to a long-term recovery effort to provide sustainable solutions to address some of our greatest challenges.

To learn more about Northumberland United Way, visit www.mynuw.org or follow us on social media.

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It's our Radiothon &
Giving Tuesday!

Today’s the day! Join us for our 4th annual Radiothon presented by Cobourg KIA, broadcasting live on Classic Rock 107.9, 93.3 myFM, and Oldies 100.9. We’re bringing the excitement to you from Lauria Hyundai in Port Hope and The Market & Smør in Cobourg. Your support directly benefits the Northumberland Eats Voucher Program and other essential programs. Tune in now and be part of the positive impact!