NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Community Comes Through, Sets 13^th Straight Local Fundraising Record
United Way Campaign Raises Over $3.3 million, Surpasses Goal Again

KINGSTON, Ont. (Nov. 25, 2011) KFL&A residents set another local fundraising record as the United Way’s annual fall campaign raised $3,327,000 this year.

 Empire Life President and CEO Les Herr, who served as chair of the campaign, made the announcement this morning in front of a sold-out crowd at the Campaign 2011 Touchdown Breakfast at the Ambassador Resort.

 The funds raised in the 12-week region-wide campaign represent a four per cent increase over the $3,200,000 goal and a five per cent increase over the $3,145,000 raised during the 2010 campaign. It marks the 13^th straight year in which the United Way has surpassed its goal and set a new record for most money raised in a single-season local fundraising campaign.

 “It’s a phenomenal achievement,” says Herr. “It’s an honour to be part of a community that consistently rises above challenging economic circumstances. These are tough times for everyone, but the people of KFL&A understood what was asked of them and rose to the occasion. They showed the world what a generous, caring community this is.”

 This year’s record achievement can be attributed to several key influencing factors, including: 

• An overall increase in giving across all sectors, especially the Finance & Government sectors
• 4th successful year of our Leadership Challenge Grant which matches all new Leadership-level donations
• An increase in major gifts and Leadership Giving (donations of $1,000 or more by individuals)

 “I continue to be amazed at the generosity of this community,” says United Way President and CEO Bhavana Varma. “We witnessed it right across the board, in every sector and in every age group. Every day during the last 12 weeks, we saw incredible acts of generosity. Those in need in our community will benefit from this.”

 All of the money raised during Campaign 2011 will fund vital social services used by people in Kingston, Frontenac, Lennox & Addington every day.

 The next step will be to invest the money in the community. The United Way’s all-volunteer Citizens Review Panel will soon begin evaluating funding applications submitted by agencies to ensure that the money is invested where it is needed the most.

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Media Contacts:
Bhavana Varma                                              Laura Fitzgerald
President & CEO                                             Senior Communications Specialist
United Way serving KFL&A                            Empire Life
613-542-2674 ext. 2                                        613-548-1890 ext. 3422
bvarma@unitedwaykfla.ca                             laura.fitzgerald@empire.ca