2021 Day of Caring – Goal of Completing 500 kits More than Doubled

June 3, 2021

BELLEVILLE – ON – Each year, United Way Hastings & Prince Edward hosts Day of Caring®  where teams of workplace volunteers are paired with funded agencies to help them complete projects that they otherwise wouldn’t have the resources for. The day typically sees over 100 volunteers lend their hard work and expertise in the areas of gardening, renovating, painting, and organizing; it also is an opportunity for UWHPE workplace donors to spend the day with a funded agency and see the impact of their donation.  In 2020, Day of Caring was cancelled due to pandemic restrictions.

This year’s Day of Caring® has been re-imagined; ensuring workplace teams are still able to help local organizations, safely, from their home office or work site.  More than 20 workplaces have registered to assemble meal and hygiene kits that will be donated to agencies across the HPE region.  Some companies are building their own and others have paid a small fee for a “ready-to-go” kit and the contents are being delivered to their offices for their teams to assemble.

The event, sponsored by Welch LLP,  launched today (Thursday June 3rd) – with an original goal of completing 500 hygiene and meal kits for individuals and families in need of a little help this year.  “Our team was proud to partner with United Way HPE to help bring the 2021 Day of Caring® back to our community in a way that allows workplaces and families the opportunity to contribute in a safe and collaborative way. Thank you to all of the workplaces, businesses and volunteers who are helping to make this year’s event a success!– Melanie Nash, Partner, Welch LLP.

At the time of this release, we know of 1,199 kits being assembled – more than double the goal so far!  These kits will be delivered to 20 separate agencies across Hastings & Prince Edward by the end of June thanks to the efforts of local workplaces, individuals and business partners who contributed as a volunteer, or assisted with the facilitation of supplies.

“The response to this initiative has been astounding!  Local agencies have seen an increase in the need for  extra supplies during the pandemic.  Many people are needing an extra bit of help to make budgets stretch as the community continues to struggle with pandemic closures”, states Melanie Cressman,  Director, Donor Relations, United Way Hastings & Prince Edward.  “These hygiene and food kits will help to help fill that need.”

Those looking to get involved in the 2021 Day of Caring® can text the word UNITED to 41010 to make a $10 donation to purchase a meal or hygiene kit for someone needing a little extra help.

For more information, please visit www.unitedwayhpe.ca/dayofcaring

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