Niagara, ON, September 12, 2023 – Enthusiastic supporters of United Way Niagara gathered at the Seymour-Hannah Sports and Entertainment Centre in St. Catharines for the second annual firetruck pull event, kicking off the 2023 fundraising campaign. Demonstrating the teamwork that’s needed to create lasting change in our community, teams competed for the fastest pull time, best team spirit and highest fundraising team. The ambitious fundraising goal of five million-two hundred thousand dollars was also announced.
“The firetruck pull is proof that as a team we can achieve much more than we could alone,” says Frances Hallworth, CEO United Way Niagara. “Too many people still face barriers in their everyday lives stopping them from reaching their full potential. Together, with the help of our supporters, we hope to create opportunities for people who are struggling in Niagara to become a part of their communities.”
Local organizations proud to show their support for the United Way Niagara mission spent the day enjoying the music, food and excitement at the firetruck pull. 2023 Campaign Chair Brad Steeves was among those in attendance and recognizes that bringing together a network of support from across the region is essential to breaking down barriers in the community.
“I am honoured to step into the role of 2023 Campaign Chair,” said Brad Steeves, President of Beatties. “Beatties has been a proud partner of United Way Niagara for several years, helping with initiatives like Backpacks for Kids and running a workplace campaign. The need for United Way-supported programs has never been greater. I hope we can garner more support from organizations this year from all across Niagara. It takes teamwork to raise the funds needed to support the social safety net so many in our community rely on. I’m proud to be a United Way donor and I encourage the community to join me in supporting this important campaign.”
Donation Matches for 2023
Each year United Way Niagara is proud to partner with local organizations to help raise awareness of the United Way campaign and increase funds raised within the community. For the 2023 Campaign, United Way is excited to partner with Heddle Shipyards and MNP for the 10% Challenge and the New Donor Match, respectively.
We are thrilled to welcome Heddle Shipyards as the 2023 “10% Challenge Sponsor”. Their support means that any donor who increases their previous donation by 10 per cent or more to United Way Niagara will be matched by The Heddle Shipyards 10% Challenge up to $50,000.
United Way is also pleased to welcome back MNP as New Donor Match supporters. Any donor who makes a first-time donation of any amount will be matched dollar-for-dollar by the MNP New Donor Match up to $25,000.
Thanks to our amazing match sponsors, we can ensure that one hundred per cent local giving makes a difference right here where and when it is needed. More information on these donation match opportunities are available at the United Way Niagara website. Members of the public are encouraged to learn more and contribute to the campaign at www.unitedwayniagara.org.