TRURO - Thomas Kayter didn't know how donations through the United Way of Colchester County impacted local organizations and programs until he got involved.
"It's just outstanding," said Kaytor, the 2012-13 campaign chair, at a workplace campaign kickoff luncheon at the Best Western Plus Glengarry on Wednesday.
"The workplace campaign is one of the easiest ways to give back to your community, even if it's as little as $1 a day. They really do add up in large ways and you can truly change your neighbour's life."
The campaign raised $238,000 last year through the workplace campaign and organizers are hoping to surpass that amount.
"We usually don't set a financial goal," said Jennifer Spicer, executive director of the United Way. "We just want an increase from what we had last year. Our goal is to increase the impact on our community."
Through this year's 26 pacesetters, $28,000 has already been raised to begin the campaign.
"That's $3,000 more than last year and it goes a long way in getting us rolling this year," said Kayter.
Last year, the United Way provided funding for six local organizations - the Boys and Girls Club of Truro and Colchester, CNIB, Canadian Mental Health Association's Colchester East Hants branch, Colchester Adult Literacy Association, Maggie's Place Family Resource Centre and Third Place Transition House.
Funding was also provided for community impact grants, which went to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Colchester, Maggie's Place, the Cobequid Lawn Bowls Association, Canadian Mental Health Association's Colchester East Hants branch and the Christmas Index Program.
During the campaign kickoff, the audience of about 300 watched a video that included stories from women affected by funding from the United Way.
One of the women went back to school for her children through the Colchester Adult Learning Association. Another enrolled her daughter in the after-school program at the Boys and Girls Club of Truro and Colchester.
Businesses and organizations were also recognized for their contributions to last year's campaign.
For more information on the campaign or the United Way, visit www.colchester.unitedway.ca.
rtetanish@trurodaily.com
