The Sarnia-Lambton United Way says two programs will no longer receive funding.
The 2025 fundraising campaign raised 97 per cent of its $1.5 million goal, forcing the volunteer Board of Directors to adjust its funding portfolio.
A total of 27 local programs provided by 16 agencies will receive funding for 2026-2027, down from 28 programs in 2025-2026.
The United Way said of all the program applications, 22 will be maintained at their current funding level, four will see a funding increase, one new program will be added and two programs will no longer receive funding.
In a news release, Volunteer Community Investment Committee Chair Gerry Whitcombe said while the campaign concluded just shy of its target, the outpouring of community support will still translate into critical funding for programs to help individuals and families across Sarnia-Lambton.
“These investments are about impact,” said Whitcombe. “Even in a challenging year, the funds raised will help local agencies continue delivering frontline services and responding to increased demand. Our community partners are seeing more people needing help, and these investments will make a real difference.”
The local United Way focuses funds into four key areas, Poverty to Possibility, Healthy People, Strong Communities, and All That Kids Can Be.
Whitcombe said every dollar raised goes back into the community.
“This community continues to show up for one another,” he said. “Reaching 97 per cent of our goal reflects both the economic pressures facing many households and the deep commitment our donors have to caring for their neighbours.
The current funding portfolio is as follows:
Big Brothers Big Sisters 1:1 Matching Program - $80,000
Big Brothers Big Sisters Big Bunch Program - $20,000
Big Brothers Big Sisters Go Girls Game On Program - $30,000
Big Brothers Big Sisters In School Mentoring Program - $18,000
BGC (Boys & Girls Club) Out of School Program - $94,907
BGC Summer Day Camp - $16,800
Canadian Red Cross Subsidized Transportation - $58,000
Canadian Red Cross Subsidized Meals on Wheels - $31,000
Canadian Red Cross Homeward Bound Program - $30,000
Family Counselling Centre Subsidized Counsellling - $87,000
Family Counselling Centre Tel Chek Program - $13,000
Habitat for Humanity Handyman Program - $22,500
The Inn Of The Good Shepherd Income Tax Clinics - $36,000
John Howard Society Recreation for Resilience Program - $60,000
LEO (Lambton Elderly Outreach) Subsidized Transportation - $55,000
LEO Subsidized Meals on Wheels - $16,600
New Beginnings, ABI & Stroke Recovery Community Integration - $42,500
North Lambton Community Health Centre Opening Doors Program - $60,000
River City Vineyard Shelter Security - $82,000
Rebound Early Intervention and Prevention Program - $50,000
Salvation Army Rent & Utility Assistance - $40,000
Salvation Army Medical Assistance - $10,000
Salvation Army Dental Assistance - $10,000
Salvation Army Hearing Aid Assistance - $10,000
VON Student School Food Nutrition Program - $16,650
Walpole Island First Nation Warming Shelter - $55,000
YMCA Resource Houses (3) - $93,600
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Donor Directed Gifts to other Registered Charities - $78,000
