This year’s United Way 2020 Fundraising Campaign kick-off looked a lot different.
A drive-thru barbecue was held today (Tuesday) at the Belleville fairgrounds to mark the beginning of the annual fundraising initiative.
The community organization has been holding drive-thru barbecues all summer as a way to keep engaged with the community, all while keeping in mind social distancing practices and felt this final barbecue was a great way to launch the campaign.
The United Way Hastings Prince Edward held a drive-thru barbecue at the Belleville Fairgrounds on September 15 to kick off their 2020 fundraising campaign. (Photo: Amanda Smith/Quinte News)
Executive Director Brandi Hodge says this year’s Campaign Chair in Belleville Police Service Inspector Sheri Meeks was an easy choice to make.
“What’s really great is that Sheri is an incredible person, I think she is an inspiration for women everywhere. She will actually be the first female sole lead of the United Way Hastings Prince Edward campaign in over 25 years.”
Meeks said as a community we need to do our absolute best to care for people who are vulnerable this year; many who are newly vulnerable and who may have never defined themselves that way before now.
Meeks has been involved with the United Way for many years according to Hodge, including sitting on the cabinet last year.
Another change to this year’s campaign; a fundraising goal wasn’t set.
“The 2020 campaign year, we know is going to be unpredictable and to try and assign a campaign goal to this year felt a little arbitrary because we don’t understand fully the economic impact that the pandemic has had on our community.”
Hodge says they have opted to use last year’s totals as a benchmark.
“So last year’s goal was $1.95 {million} and so what we’re going to do right from today right through until January 31st when we close this campaign down, we’re going to let the community know exactly where we are in comparison to last year at the same time.”
Last year, over $1.95 million was raised, funding more than 41 agencies and 62 programs.
Hodge says this year’s campaign is about teamwork, creativity and innovation, transparency, boldness and realism.
The United Way Hastings Prince Edward held a drive-thru barbecue at the Belleville Fairgrounds on September 15 to kick off their 2020 fundraising campaign. (Photo: Amanda Smith/Quinte News)
She noted they are aware some people, businesses and organizations may not be able to donate at the same levels they have in the past.
The campaign ends on January 31, 2021.
