Photo: Frances Hallworth, United Way Niagara CEO, Fire Chief Dave Upper, St. Catharines Fire Services and Brad Steeves, 2023 Campaign Chair and President of Beatties, drop a banner revealing the 2023 campaign goal to Pam Lilley, United Way Niagara Board Chair and Kevin Jong, United Way Niagara Director of Development and Communications.

Niagara, ON, September 12, 2023 – Enthusiastic supporters of United Way Niagara gathered at the Seymour-Hannah Sports and Entertainment Centre in St. Catharines for the Second Annual Firetruck Pull Campaign Kickoff, marking the beginning of the 2023 fundraising season. The event was sponsored by Heddle Shipyards, in partnership with the City of St. Catharines and St. Catharines Fire Services, and raised $30,000. Demonstrating the teamwork that is needed to create lasting change in our community, teams competed for the Best Team Spirit, Fastest Pull Time and Highest Fundraising Team. The ambitious fundraising goal of five million-two hundred thousand dollars was also announced.

Best Team Spirit: Stolk Construction Ltd.

Fastest Pull Time: St. Catharines Fire Services

Highest Fundraising Team: Reliance Home Comfort

“It takes teamwork to raise the funds needed to support the social safety net so many in our community rely on. I’m proud to be a United Way donor and I encourage the community to join me in supporting this important campaign.” – Brad Steeves, President of Beatties and 2023 Campaign Chair

“The firetruck pull is proof that as a team we can achieve much more than we could alone,” says Frances Hallworth, CEO of United Way Niagara. “Too many people still face barriers in their everyday lives stopping them from reaching their full potential. Together, with the help of our supporters, we hope to create opportunities for people who are struggling in Niagara to become a part of their communities.”

Local organizations proud to show their support for the United Way Niagara mission spent the day enjoying the music, food and excitement at the firetruck pull. 2023 Campaign Chair Brad Steeves was among those in attendance and recognizes that bringing together a network of support from across the region is essential to breaking down barriers in the community.

“I am honoured to step into the role of 2023 Campaign Chair,” said Brad Steeves, President of  Beatties. “Beatties has been a proud partner of United Way Niagara for several years, helping with initiatives like Backpacks for Kids and running a workplace campaign. The need for United Way-supported programs has never been greater. I hope we can garner more support from organizations this year from all across Niagara. It takes teamwork to raise the funds needed to support the social safety net so many in our community rely on. I’m proud to be a United Way donor and I encourage the community to join me in supporting this important campaign.”

2023 Gift Matching Opportunities

Each year United Way Niagara is proud to partner with local organizations to help raise awareness of the United Way campaign and increase funds raised within the community. For the 2023 Campaign, United Way is excited to partner with Heddle Shipyards and MNP for the 10% Challenge and the New Donor Match, respectively.

We are thrilled to welcome Heddle Shipyards as the 2023 “10% Challenge Sponsor”. Their support means that any donor who increases their previous donation by 10 per cent or more to United Way Niagara will be matched by The Heddle Shipyards 10% Challenge up to $50,000.

Dawn Thorp, Heddle Shipyards Public Relations and Communications Manager, and Shaun Padulo, Heddle Shipyards President and CEO present $50,000 donation to Frances Hallworth and Kevin Jong.

United Way is also pleased to welcome back MNP as the New Donor Match sponsor. Any donor who makes a first-time donation of any amount will be matched dollar-for-dollar by the MNP New Donor Match up to $25,000.

MNP team members present $25,000 donation to United Way Niagara at 2023 Firetruck Pull Campaign Kickoff.

Thanks to the generosity of the 2023 match sponsors, your donation can go even further this year. Learn more about these gift matching opportunities here.

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