United Way of Kingston, Frontenac, Lennox & Addington revealed their 2022 goal at St. Lawrence College this morning to raise $3,808,000. United Way KFL&A 2022 Campaign Chair Jane LaPointe made the announcement which includes two donation matching programs. The first program is The Leadership Challenge Grant.

"If you're a first time leader, your donation will be matched 100 per cent, and if you're an existing leader, any increase you do of 10 per cent or more will be matched," says LaPointe.

There is also the Women United Leadership Challenge Grant.

"To encourage leaders that are women to donate and join Women United" if you're a first time donor your donations will be matched dollar for dollar, orif you're an existing Women United donor, any increase will also be matched," says LaPointe.

LaPointe says donations to United Way have a broad reach in the community. "They impact programs that are helping students, youth...seniors, individuals that are unhoused...need assistance with mental health and addictions...It's our friends, family and neighbours that are helped," says LaPointe.

There are 61 partner agencies and 106 different programs with the United Way. Prior to the announcement of this year's campaign goal, Executive Director of the Kingston Indigenous Languages Nest Constance Carierre-Prill spoke about a new United Way supported youth connections program for those aged 12 to 19. Recipient of the Seniors Food Box Program through partner United Way agency Kingston Community Health Centres,  Melanie LaFoot also spoke at the event.

"Having this service brought to our door is beyond what you can think of...There's a lot of people I talk to who just don't get to the grocery store, it's too far for them, they don't have the transportation...the increased cost of groceries when you're on a limited income," says LaFoot.

Donations can be made on the United Way KFL&A website.