The United Way of Chatham-Kent is returning to a community-by-community approach where the money raised in each local community will stay there to help people who are struggling.
Over the next year, United Way officials said they will be working with community captains, service groups, non-profits and neighbours to fundraise, recruit volunteers and find solutions to the critical needs people are facing in their own backyards.
United Way Director of Resource Development Patricia Peters said 68 locals residents will lead the journey.
"This movement is about United Way reconnecting with the community in a really powerful way," said Peters. "No matter who [you are] or where you are, you can join in because you have the power to make a difference within your own neighbourhood."
The United Way is encouraging individuals, families and workplaces to share their photos on social media of them alone or with the people in their social bubble with hands outstretched as if they're ready to hold the hands of someone beside them. Movement supporters are also being asked to tag the people they want to stand with to make sure no one is left behind. Officials said the "United We Can, Together We Will" pose is a visual representation of how even when individually apart everyone is together.
The United Way has a few suggestions on how everyone can take part in this movement.
· Consider volunteering.
· Reach out to the United Way to find ways to be a champion in your community.
· Create a fundraiser.
· Donate.
· Contact the United Way to find out how your workplace can take part.
· Check in on friends and family to let them know that they are not alone.
· Support the small businesses that keep our community vibrant.
· Perform random acts of kindness in your area.
· Get to know your neighbours.
· Help spread the word by sharing pictures of your "United We Can, Together We Will" pose.
· Use #UnitedWeCan to add to the collective voice of spreading good in the community.
The "United We Can, Together We Will" movement was launched Wednesday night.
The United Way has taken a more collaborative approach when working in the community since the pandemic started. The United Way of Chatham-Kent has handed out $1,367,708 to date in COVID-19 relief funds to support organizations working to help Chatham-Kent’s most vulnerable population.
