The United Way of Hastings & Prince Edward says it’s pleased, but cautious, with the progress being made in its $2.2 million fundraising campaign.
The campaign is 63 per cent towards its goal, with seven weeks to go.
However, the United Way says it’s seeing an unprecedented surge in funding requests from the agencies it supports.
Executive Director Brandi Hodge says that the total value of all funding requests from local agencies to the United Way this year was $3.2 million.
“We anticipated increases in requests, but even we were a little shocked by both the number of organizations applying and the financial need that was demonstrated,” she said.
The demand, Hodge says, speaks to the need for donors to come through.
“The coming weeks will tell the tale,” she says. “We know that disposable income is less this year, and it’s harder for families to give, so we are anticipating a struggle to reach the goal of $2.2 million by January 31.”
The United Way fundraises and advocates on behalf of several social agencies, including North Hastings groups such as North Hastings Children’s Services and North Hastings Community Cupboard.
For more information, call 613-962-9531.