Sarnia, Ontario — United Way of Sarnia-Lambton has cancelled the 26th annual Day of Caring, which was to take place on September 15, 2020.
“Despite our hope that we could hold our traditional Day of Caring, we recognize that the safety of our community is the number one priority,” said Pamela Bodkin, Community Investment and Finance Director. “To bring together upwards of 250 volunteers for the annual campaign kickoff would not be in the best interest of the volunteers and the recipients including seniors, and those with disabilities. We would like to express our tremendous appreciation to the many sponsors, participants, and Day of Caring partners and we look forward to seeing everyone when the event returns in 2021.”
United Way of Sarnia-Lambton will move forward, when the timing is appropriate, with a smaller version of Day of Caring. Individual projects would require minimal volunteers on multiple days, keeping safety the top priority. “We plan to revert to our traditional larger campaign kick-off next year, said Bodkin. “We look forward to having our volunteers and sponsors back with us to help those most in need in Sarnia-Lambton.”
Since 1993, United Way of Sarnia-Lambton Day of Caring has completed projects ranging from painting, cleaning, gardening, and yard work to building wheelchair ramps, decks, storage sheds or minor plumbing installations. Each year, applications are reviewed, jobs are assessed and individuals having work done have completed a means test.
The Habitat for Humanity Handyman/Handywoman program, funded with a United Way Venture grant, continues to provide services. If anyone is in immediate need, they can contact Habitat for Humanity in Sarnia, www.habitatsarnia.org. The Lambton Elderly Outreach Home Maintenance program can be accessed at www.lambtonelderlyoutreach.org.
