United way raises $4.3M in two years

United Way Sudbury and Nipissing Districts has raised more than $4.3 million in two years, the organization announced Wednesday.

The total brings the United way around $2.6 million short of its three-year goal to raise $7 million for more than 30 agencies and charitable organizations in Sudbury and the surrounding area.

Mike Di Brina, the United Way's 2014 campaign chair, said he was pleased with the result last year, but said a lot more can be done in 2015 to surpass the nearly $2.3 million raised in 2014.

Last year's total was the second highest of any United Way campaign in Sudbury.

“I think we have great people in this community who are true givers and want to make a difference,” he said.

While other United Ways in Northern Ontario failed to meet their campaign goals last year, Sudbury has seen constant improvement year-over-year.

Barb Nott, board chair with United Way Sudbury and Nipissing Districts, said they have increased their efforts to tell the community about the programs the money helps support.

“I think it's starting to make a difference,” she said.

Donations from businesses around the community helped the United Way meets its fundraising goals.

Vale and Glencore each raised more than $250,000 for the campaign – with support from Unifor and the United Steelworkers.

In September 2014, the campaign introduced a new Leadership Giving Program that encouraged donors to invest in the community with annual gifts of $1,200 or more.