United Way of Chatham-Kent announced today that their Annual Campaign has wrapped up, raising $1,443,786. The announcement was made this morning at the Campaign Touchdown Breakfast by the Advanced Realty Solution’s team who were United Way’s 2019 Campaign Chairs.

“When we took on the task of chairing this campaign as a team; we collectively decided to go all in,” said Bill Myers, Broker of Record at Advanced Realty Solutions and speaking on behalf of the agents. “I am confident that we have left no stones un-turned and I am proud of what everyone has accomplished. It has taken thousands of people to come together and make this possible.”

“The funds that have been raised will be applied directly to addressing #UNIGNORABLE issues in our community,” Says Steve Pratt, CEO of United Way of Chatham-Kent. “This is one heckuva lot of money that is going to do one heckuva lot of good; and I’m very proud and thankful of the team at Advanced Realty who stepped up in a huge way to lead this year’s campaign.”

It is through the generosity and shared vision of individuals, employees, and corporations that raise the majority of funds for United Way.

“It means a lot when a business welcomes us in and lets us share what United Way does right here in Chatham-Kent.” Say Tom Slager, Director of Resource Development at United Way of Chatham-Kent. “We are very passionate about the work we do here because the results directly affect the lives of so many. The workplace campaign allows us to talk about real experiences and discuss Chatham-Kent’s #UNIGNORABLE issues alongside ones who have utilized a United Way funded program during a critical part in their lives; and front line workers who are out there doing incredible things.”

As the largest non-government funder of community services in Chatham-Kent, United Way of Chatham-Kent reinforces a crucial community safety net. The funds raised during Campaign 2019 will be distributed, locally, almost immediately to ensure that everyone has access to the programs and services they need to thrive today. In 2020, United Way’s work will continue to address #UNIGNORABLE issues through community research, strategic leadership, local advocacy and cross-sectoral partnerships committed to building lasting solutions to Chatham-Kent’s greatest challenges.

When United Way talks about #UNIGNORABLE issues, they are talking about poverty, hunger, youth unemployment, mental health and addictions, education inequity, homelessness, social isolation, and domestic violence. When left unchecked, these issues threaten the quality of life we all value as Canadians. These are not somebody else’s problems; they belong to each and every one of us as neighbours living in Chatham-Kent.