United Way KFL&A set $4.25 million goal for this year's fundraising campaign

They announced the goal Thursday morning during their annual kick-off breakfast.

No better way to talk about fundraising goals than over bacon, eggs, and coffee.

The United Way Kingston Frontenac Lennox and Addington held their annual campaign kick off breakfast on Thursday at the Double Tree in Kingston.

Campaign Chair Krista Wells Pearce says it is great to see the number of people from many organizations at the event.

Last year's campaign raised more than $4.1 million exceeding their initial $4.08 million goal. This year, they have set a goal of $4.25 million.

Wells Pearce says they have been able to exceed their goal in previous years and believes they will do it again.

Wells Pearce says it is kind of sad that the target number keeps going up as people continue to seek assistance but  there is a silver lining.

Among the diginaries at the event were Kingston Mayor Bryan Paterson, Loyalist Township Mayor Jim Hegadorn, and Kingston and the Islands MPP Ted Hsu. MP Mark Gerretsen sent his greetings by video from Gander, Newfoundland where he will be attending 9/11 ceremonies there.

Hegadorn says every contribution no matter how large or small becomes something bigger.

Wells Pearce says they will be shifting the focus of their funding towards long-term prevention resulting in improvements in a number of different ways.

Story by Ken Hashizume