Hundreds of LiUNA Local 1059 skilled members, signatory employers and industry partners drove for the green and raised a whopping $160,000 for United Way Elgin Middlesex in a 2022 reboot of the groups’ annual charity golf tournament.
The donation amount, announced on October 18, brings the 22-year tournament total to almost $1.7 million.
“At a time when United Way partner agencies are telling us their needs have grown exponentially, LiUNA Local 1059 has consistently and enthusiastically ramped up its commitment to meeting that need.”
“This year’s figure is up fairly significantly from even pre-pandemic years,” said Brandon MacKinnon, Business Manager of LiUNA Local 1059.
He attributed the increase to a growing membership that recognizes a surging need in the community. “When they write the cheque for United Way, they know it’s for an organization that does a lot of good, so it’s a pretty easy sell,” he said.
Perennial supporters
LiUNA Local 1059 supporters have given so often, and so generously, that the well-used cardboard presentation cheque had to be replaced with a heftier metal one this year. “The larger the gift, the heavier the cheque,” MacKinnon quipped.
This year’s event – which spanned across two days in August – drew 300 participants from across the sector.
It is perennially the largest third-party fundraising event for United Way, said Kelly Ziegner, President and CEO, United Way Elgin Middlesex.
“The dedication of LiUNA Local 1059 to our community is inspirational,” she said.
“At a time when United Way partner agencies are telling us their needs have grown exponentially, LiUNA Local 1059 has consistently and enthusiastically ramped up its commitment to meeting that need.”
United Way is the largest non-government funder of social services in the region and supports 52 community-based programs and services that reduce and prevent poverty, provide basic needs, and provide housing stability.
“Local 1059 has been proud to partner with United Way Elgin Middlesex for more than 20 years, donating 100% of the proceeds of our annual charity golf tournaments to support their vital programs and services,” MacKinnon said. “It’s our honour to work with an organization that shares our values of building upon and bettering our communities.”
