Perth Employees of Eaton Electric have once again shown their incredible dedication to the community.    By conducting a spirited campaign, they have raised over $5000 for the United Way Lanark County.   While the generosity of each employee is incredibly humbling, it’s the collective spirit and the fun that they seem to have raising the money that makes this campaign so special.  Led by JoAnne Coughlin, the Employees of Eaton Electric went above and beyond to support their community!

 The Perth Campus of Algonquin College has been, and continues to be, a tremendous supporter of United Way. “Their spirit and enthusiasm for the work United Way does is very much appreciated,” commented Sarah Bridson, executive director of United Way of Lanark County. “They are one of our strong partners in this community and we are so grateful for their support.”

Freya Lilius, Director of Community Development receives a cheque from the Perth branch of CIBC

CIBC, RBC and ScotiaBank have all confirmed major corporate donations for the United Way of Lanark County.  These major financial institutions have all recognized the work that United Way does in the communities where they operate and they give generously each year to the campaign.  CIBC hosted a customer appreciation day on November 5th where they gave a cheque for $1000 from each of 3 the branches in Lanark County and Smiths Falls.  RBC pledged $3500 for their corporate donation, and Scotia Bank has once again indicated that they will be supporting the United Way of Lanark County Campaign.

Every year Lanark County and the sitting Warden host a golf tournament for charity.  This year Warden John Fenik and County staff used this great day to raise money for the United Way of Lanark County.  It was a great fun-filled day which was launched with a BBQ and continued onto the links.  Participants were incredibly generous and the tournament was a great success.

The United Way of Lanark County is very grateful to all who were involved in the day and to the Warden and the staff at the County for hosting such a amazing event on our behalf.  All of the money raised in this and any fundraising events for the United Way goes back into the community.  United Way funds 16 member agencies who deliver essential services for families, youth, seniors, and those with life challenges across Lanark County and Smiths Falls.

This year United Way awarded $15000 to 16 charitable organizations from across Lanark County and Smiths Falls through our annual Special Project Grants.   These awards are open to any local charitable organization to fund a new project or event.  A call is put out in June for applications and awards are made in September.  This years recipients include:

Mississippi Mills Bicycle Month - Received help with the printing and distribution of flyers, brochures etc.

Take Young People Seriously, T.Y.P.S. – Kitchen renovation to new space that the youth centre will occupy allowing expanded culinary instruction and community food programs.

Food for Thought – Received help with on-line data reporting to help the schools and organization better understand where the gaps are  in children receiving nutrition.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Lanark County – Received help with the kitchen renovation they are undertaking to improve space for Bigs and Littles to use on outings, and to enhance the space  for staff and volunteer use.

Youth Action Kommittee – Funded a kitchen renovation be better equipped to service the clients coming in for meals on a daily basis.

North Lanark Community Health Centre - Were aided in the creation of a program entitled “Mindful Based Stress Reduction.” The program includes instruction from well trained individuals and would be offered to those who could not afford it otherwise. Outcomes range from reduction in pain to positive self esteem as well as increased ability to identify stress.

Lanark Highlands Youth Centre - Received help  to  fund an Enhanced Literacy Project as well as a Babysitting Course for the youth.

Smiths Falls and District Club for Youth - Received funds to help to replace 5 windows in their building. The benefits included lower cost to bills as well as the beautification of the centre.

Community and Primary Health Care – Received help to support their “Queen for a Day” project. This is a day given to caregivers within their network. The day offers these caregivers the opportunity to get away and experience a stress free environment.  The money awarded will help to cover the respite care when the caregiver is away.

Open Doors for Lanark Children and Youth – Received help with their Parent Media project. The project  provides materials for parents searching for help with their children’s mental health issues. As well, the information would provide warning signs and where to turn options for parents in the community.

Carleton Place and District Youth Centre – Received help with the purchase a washer/dryer and installation of a shower.  This will give youth an opportunity to wash clothes and shower if they have no other place to go.

Lanark Health and Community Services-Therapeutic Riding Program - Received help to fund riders in the program who otherwise would be unable to afford these services. The program  benefits clients who are disabled and offers a chance to ride a horse when it would not be available otherwise. Their policy is that no rider is refused for the program and that people pay what they can.

September 22, 2010:  Once again this year Lanark County has shown their support for the United Way of Lanark County’s Annual Campaign, by flying the United Way flag over the county building and at Lanark Lodge.  County workers gathered to hear the Warden, John Fenik speak about his pride in the great campaign the County ran over his term. Tim Campbell, Vice President of United Way of Lanark County thanked everyone for their amazing support, noting that they raised over $13,000 last year.  Finally, CAO Peter Wagland reminded the assembled crowd that the United Way is completely dependent on the donations of the residents and businesses of Lanark County, and that in turn all of the funds raised remain in the County supporting integral social services. With that the flags were unfurled and their campaign was officially launched.

The workers of Lanark County run an amazing campaign with great participation through employee payroll deductions and special events such as raffles.  As well, the Warden hosts a golf tournament every year which this summer raised $6347.00.

This year we partnered with the Staples stores in Smiths Falls and Carleton Place, the Imperial Order of the Daughters of the Empire – Captain Hooper Chapter, and the Lanark County Christmas Basket Program to support the creation of 200 backpacks filled with the basic supplies that kids need to be successful in school this year. United Way of Lanark County Director of Community Development Freya Lilius noted that United Way is particularly proud of being able to partner with others to help families at this time of year: “This program is a perfect example of the work the United Way loves to do, bringing together those who can help, with those most in need.”

Thank you for visiting the United Way of Lanark County website. The Board of Directors and Executive Director invite you to learn more about the work we do on behalf of your community.

For over 20 years your United Way has served the Lanark County/Smiths Falls community. More than 45 services and programs are offered annually to children, youth, families, seniors and those with disabilities.

In 2009, 7616 individuals benefited from contributions made to United Way of Lanark County.  In 2009, your United Way raised $371,848 and put $245,000 back into the community.  These funds help children, families, youth, seniors and those with life challenges on an annual basis.  Roughly translated, 1 in every 10 people in Lanark County uses the services that we fund.  Our 16 member agencies are the very backbone of this communitey and the people we all go to when we need help.

This year, United Way of Lanark County has set a campaign goal of $400,000.  This number represents the change that your United Way is moving towards.  It is our hope that through this goal, we will be able to put more dollars back into the community and introduce beneficial programs to those who need them.

The United Way of Lanark County is committed to its mission – to improve lives and build community by engaging individuals and mobilizing collective action. To fulfill this mission we rely on the generosity of our local residents and corporate sponsors to give input to our future planning.

Thank you for visiting, please come back often to view our updated events page and monitor our ongoing progress.

Shelagh Dobson
President