.jpeg;w=960)
THUNDER BAY — A local family is doing its part to help the United Way of Thunder Bay's 2021 fundraising campaign succeed.
The Knudsen family has committed to matching all donations to the campaign that are received by Dec. 31st, dollar-for-dollar, up to $10,000.
"Our family has always believed in supporting the community, which has not only been the best place in the world to live and work, but also has been very supportive of our business ventures over the years," says Lyle Knudsen, president of Equipment World Inc.
"We all need to think about those who are less fortunate or have faced challenges in their lives," Knudsen said.
He described the United Way as a great way to contribute to many community support groups and organizations that service people in need.
Albert Brulé, CEO of the United Way of Thunder Bay, said "The hope lies in you to make your donation go twice as far. Give hope to kids who live in poverty, families who have to choose between buying food or paying rent, and seniors who rely on a soup kitchen for a hot meal."
All donations will support the 2021 Local Love in Action fundraising campaign.
Donations will be dispersed among 75 local programs including frontline service providers such as food banks, shelters and mental health crisis lines.
Some of the issues and challenges currently facing the community include:
- one in five kids lives in poverty
- one in ten families experiences food insecurity
- at one soup kitchen alone, the average number of meals served monthly rose from 9,000 to 11,000 this year
"United Way of Thunder Bay continues to do the important and essential work that is needed in these challenging times," said Jodie Wilson, the organization's director of philanthropy and community engagement.
Donations to the United Way's year-end Holliday Matching Gift Challenge, sponsored by Lyle and Tarja Knudsen and family, may be made online here.
