As journalists, we have the opportunity and the responsibility to keep an eye on the community we serve.
If last weekend is any indication, we’ll need both eyes to take in all of the good things happening right now in Chatham-Kent.
In a 48 hour period from Friday afternoon to Sunday evening, local residents and businesses donated or pledged more than one half million dollars for charitable purposes.
Leading the charge was the Chatham-Kent United Way that has 20 per cent ($380,000) of its $1.9 million goal in the pipeline.
This year’s campaign co-chairs have inspiring personal stories of how United Way has helped them and we urge to you read our story.
The First annual Festival of Golf raised more than $50,000 for the Chatham-Kent Children’s’ Treatment Centre Foundation.
Using the FOG brand, the group took golf fundraising efforts to a new level.
Chatham Chrysler’s annual Hands Off event raised $20,000 for a variety of charities and demonstrates it deserves recognition as a firm with local roots and local values.
Loads of Love raised more than $28,000 at its own golf tournament and auction Saturday to help children in the Ukraine.
On Sunday, more than 1,000 people biked, ran and walked to raise $100,000 in Terry Fox runs in Chatham, Tilbury, Dresden, Ridgetown, Blenheim and Wallaceburg.
And those were only the highlights.
Each and every weekend, groups across the community are doing their part to make this a better place to live.
From FireFest to mud runs, there was something for everyone.
To top it off, last Tuesday’s Positivity Day in Chatham-Kent raised the awareness of just how much attitude plays in shaping our community.
Thousands of school children got a chance to meet Captain Positive and enjoy the feeling that goes along with an attitude that anything can be accomplished.
Given the community we’re building, it’s not an unrealistic idea.
We’re fortunate to know many of the organizers, volunteers and participants who make these events happen.
They deserve our thanks and the thanks of the community.
