The local United Way’s 2021 Community Campaign ended up being more successful than first anticipated.
United Way Saint John, Kings & Charlotte announced Friday that the campaign raised more than $1.66 million.
“We are absolutely thrilled with our campaign result, especially given the challenges of the community over the last two years. It certainly has been a difficult landscape for a lot of people,”
In January, the United Way announced $1.08 million in funding for 19 funding recipients from Sussex to St. Stephen.
Due to the campaign’s success, the organization was able to announce five additional grants on Friday.
Heelis said two of those grants will go to new partners in the region, including Black Lives Matter NB.
“They have a new program that is a youth outreach program that is specifically helping to target Black youth and help them with whatever supports they might need,” said Heelis.
“It could be tutoring, could be helping advocate for them, could be helping them get access to other services.”
The St. George and Area Food Bank also received a grant to help pilot a food security initiative, said Heelis.
BGC Saint John, which was previously announced as a 2022 funding recipient, will receive $25,000 to provide a new summer “Brain Gain” program for kids in Sussex.
The Multicultural Association of Sussex and Big Brothers Big Sisters will also receive additional grants of $10,000 each to strengthen their existing 2022 programs.
“We are, as always, just absolutely thrilled with the generosity of the people in our community who continue to support the campaign and recognize the needs and recognize that United Way is well poised to help address those needs,” said Heelis.
You can find a full list of the 21 United Way funded partner agencies online by clicking here.
