http://www.theunitedwayblog.ca/index.php http://www.theunitedwayblog.ca/index.php?entry=entry101101-092759

The United Way campaign has now surpassed the Million Dollar level of the thermometer and is quickly approaching the 55% mark.

Imperial Oil has reported their figures and their totals today are looking very promising.

NOVA Chemicals have also reported their campaign totals and they too are nearly complete. Again, NOVA totals look very good and NOVA Chemicals will match all employee and retiree donations.

Shown above is Mike Ottonello, Quality Control Manager, and Tim DaSilva, Production Manager at Waterville TG in Petrolia. Waterville TG held three BBQ sat the plant and combined with their corporate donation, more than doubled their totals from last year.]]> http://www.theunitedwayblog.ca/index.php?entry=entry101021-093053

We received a nice boost from the Lambton College Nursing students, 2010/2012 class. Their donation of well over $600 helped boost the campaign over the $800,000 level. Thank you ladies!

In order in the photo above from left to right: Kera Ottermanns, Emily Keddy, Erin Hall,
Paddy Roach, Jillian Hamilton and Ashley Piche. Absent from the photo:
Nancy Bickerstaff, Lacey Timperley, Cynthia Bell and Laura Aubut.
The girls tell us that they are 2nd year Practical Nursing students and are
excited to donate to the United Way.

I can tell you that not only are we at the United Way pleased to receive this contribution to the campaign, we are even more excited that students are thinking about the United Way and are getting involved in supporting our community through the United Way at such a young age. Congratulations again, and the best of luck to each of you in the future in your careers.]]> http://www.theunitedwayblog.ca/index.php?entry=entry101020-133613

The Day of Caring held recently helped kick off the 2010 United Way Campaign. On kickoff day, the United Way has already raised almost 20% of the $1,850,000 goal.]]> http://www.theunitedwayblog.ca/index.php?entry=entry100924-095733
The Day of Caring held on September 21 brought together close to 275 people from across Lambton County to help at various agencies or the homes of seniors. Both active employees plus many retirees from local industry participated. visit my blog often for additional photos from the 2010 Day f Caring.

Twenty Five sponsoring companies fromIndustry, media, and local businesses participated this year including four new companies. We at the United Way of Sarnia-Lambton want to express our most sincere thanks to all the participants and sponsors who made the day so great.

The campaign now stands at 34% of the $1,850,000 goal.]]> http://www.theunitedwayblog.ca/index.php?entry=entry100916-081527

Cynthia Cook or the Forest Glen Herb Farm stands in front of the 16 foot Venetian Cream Cake prepared by Norm Paquette at last year's Locally Lambton Dinner.

Last year's event raised $18,000 for the United Way and all the food on the buffet was grown, raised, or produced locally. What's more, the food on the buffet was all donated by local farmers and agriculture associations and expertly prepared by Norm Paquette of Normand Paquette Catering. The whole idea of the event is to showcase the quality of food produced right here in the Lambton County area. Of course, it does not hurt to have Norm, arguably the best chef around preparing the meal too!

This year's event will be Wednesday, November 3, 2010 at the Dante Club. Tickets are available now by calling the United Way office at 519 336-5452, or email me at: dave@theunitedway.on.ca. Tickets are $45 each, or two for $85.

We thank all of the participating farms, agriculture groups, Norm, and our two sponsors; Sunlife and Sarnia Agents, and all three branches of Libro Financial Group.

The local media will have more information, and I will post a poster on this blog as well as our primary site once it is available.

See you there!]]> http://www.theunitedwayblog.ca/index.php?entry=entry100915-085223

Dow Chemical Canada announced their $50,000 corporate donation to the United Way of Sarnia-Lambton. Dow has always been the first company in Sarnia to actually send their corporate donation, but only recently announced it. We received the donation in the first quarter of the year and wasted no time in getting it to the bank.

This will be the final corporate donation from Dow and we thank them, their employees, and their retirees; many are still active volunteers and donors to the United Way for all their years of support!

In the photo above, Dow retiree and former United Way Board Member Jerry Vopicka assists the Salvation Army with their annual back pack/Back to school program.]]> http://www.theunitedwayblog.ca/index.php?entry=entry100913-092227

With the official campaign kickoff still nearly two weeks away, the United Way is already well on its way.

“We will be off to a great start thanks to all of our early donors,” said campaign chair Marten VandenBroek, who added that Imperial Oil yesterday boosted the campaign to nearly 30% of its goal.

“Imperial Oil officials didn’t wait too long to deliver the good news,” VandenBroek said, “They officially presented their 2010 campaign contribution of $160,000 on Friday. This contribution is the largest in the area and represents a $ 10,000 increase over last year.” VandenBroek explained that this donation represents the corporate contribution alone and those donations from the employees, annuitants; and special events are in addition to this corporate gift.

“In total, the Imperial Oil site, including the active employees and retirees will amount to over 22 per cent of the entire campaign. We look to the employees at the Sarnia site as a barometer of the success of the overall campaign. VandenBroek said the retirees raised nearly $55,000 last year, and have already raised $ 28,000 for this year’s drive.
Other industrial companies and their employees are also well underway preparing for their employee drives as well, said VandenBroek, however he does not expect any interim figures from those companies until after the official campaign kickoff on September 21 with the Day of Caring.

One exception VandenBroek noted was Terra Nitrogen located in Courtright who, among others, have run several BBQs this summer. “This year, those fundraisers have been extra successful as a result of the scheduled maintenance shut down that occurred at the site this past summer providing for additional hungry people.”

Currently, the United Way campaign stands at $540,000 or 29.1 % of the $1.85 million target. VandenBroek said the campaign is on par with last year’s excellent performance and he hopes the momentum that has been built up so far continues and that there are no negative surprises the rest of the way. “So far, we have been fortunate. All of our surprises to this point have been positive,” VandenBroek said.

Over the next week, there are several meetings planned with the various campaign committees throughout Lambton including several employee presentations. One such meeting will be the Fisheries and Oceans/Coast Guard kickoff event at the Northgate office in Sarnia. “One of our strategies this year will be to set up as many employee presentations as possible. We believe the more people hear about the United Way of Sarnia-Lambton and what it is that we do in our community, the more likely they are to contribute and the more they will attend our events and read or listen to our media coverage,” VandenBroek explained.

Beginning this week, until the end of the campaign, The Observer will have weekly coverage of the United Way campaign including events and campaign progress. Each Saturday will feature Dave Brown’s United Way column offering additional progress of the campaign and how it and the 25 funded partners are helping to make a difference in our community.

Brown has also committed to keeping the United Way website up to date with daily updates on campaign progress and various events throughout Lambton. VandenBroek said the United Way hopes to announce shortly new and innovative methods for residents to become even more engaged with the fundraising drive.]]> http://www.theunitedwayblog.ca/index.php?entry=entry100909-115317
Tomorrow will be Imperial Oil's Corporate donation which represented $150,000. The employee campaign at Imperial Oil has not yet kicked of, but several meetings are taking place encouraging the employees to support the drive. The Annuitant's campaign has began and so far, retirees have raised over $25,000, almost half of the $55,000 they raised last year.]]> http://www.theunitedwayblog.ca/index.php?entry=entry100715-081334
The trip takes place on Friday, July 23, 2010 leaving Wyoming with a pick up in Sarnia. Your $90 ticket includes awesome seats, the bus, and parking. Last year, in addition to a great game, the fireworks were fantastic. The bus will not leave until after the fireworks are complete.

For more information, email me, or contact the Warden's office directly at jim.burns@county-lambton.on.ca

]]> http://www.theunitedwayblog.ca/index.php?entry=entry100624-085015
In fact, Suzanne wrote an article for me and asked if I would post it here for readers. As a hobby, she operates a website for diabetic recipes to prevent Type 2 diabetis.

So here is her article:

Cucumbers and little well-known ways to protect against type two diabetes

Are you cool as a cucumber? Not only is the cucumber known for it’s capability to cool off the body, it has additionally been recognized to assist with jaundice, diarrhea, epilepsy, sore throat, conjunctivitis (redness of the eye) and swelling of extremities.

Many times you should try to deseed the cucumber as the body can have a problem digesting the seeds. You can deseed them yourself easily by cutting them in two and using a spoon to take out the seeds or in order to eliminate this step it is possible to buy cucumbers that are already seeded.

Fresh cucumbers are easy to add to salads and for an easy salad just toss diced cucumbers with sliced red onions, red tomatoes and your favorite all-natural, low-fat balsamic vinaigrette. This can be a fast way to make a refreshing salad that reaps some great benefits of cucumber.

Anti-diabetic Advantages of Cucumber:
Beta cells within the pancreas produce the hormone insulin.Cucumber is found to get a hormone necessary for beta cells in the insulin production. Moreover, the Glycemic Index of cucumbers is found to be zero.

Why Cucumbers have not a glycemic index listed? Does this mean that they don't raise blood glucose?
Not at all. It simply means that under the "rules" for the concept of the glycemic index, it is too difficult to get an accurate number. It is because you'll need to eat a very big amount of the food to get 50 grams of carbohydrate at the same time in order to be tested. Usually, the lower the amount of carbohydrate in a vegetable and the more fiber it has, the less the increase in blood sugar will be.

The carbohydrates are primarily responsible of the raise of the glucose level.But the carbohydrates present in the cucumber are easily digestible in a diabetes patient’s stomach.

Methods for Preparing Cucumbers:
Unwaxed cucumbers don't need to be peeled but need to be washed before cutting. Cucumbers are usually sliced, diced or cut into sticks.

A small number of Quick Serving Ideas:
- Use half-inch thick cucumber slices as petite serving "dishes" for chopped vegetable salads.
- Mix diced cucumbers with sugar snap peas and mint leaves and toss with rice wine vinaigrette.
- For refreshing cold gazpacho soup that takes five minutes or less to make, simply purée cucumbers, tomatoes, green peppers and onions, then add salt and pepper to taste.
- Add diced cucumber to tuna fish or chicken salad recipes.

Cool Cucumber Salad Recipe:

Photo: http://www.diabeticdietrecipes.org/Cucumber_Salad.jpg

Ingredients:
- 3 medium cucumbers, peeled, seeded, and cut into 1/4-inch slices
- 1 carrot, peeled and shredded
- 1/2 red onion, sliced paper-thin
- 1/3 cup minced cilantro

Dressing:
- 1/2 cup rice vinegar
- 2 tsp. honey
- 2 tsp. Reduced-sodium soy sauce
- 1 1/2 tsp. toasted sesame oil
- Pinch dried red pepper flakes

Preparation per 8 servings:
Preparation time: 25 minutes
Marinating time: one hour

1. Combine the cucumbers, carrots, red onion, and cilantro in a large bowl.
2. Combine the dressing ingredients. Pour dressing over cucumbers, cover, and refrigerate for one hour. Salad may be eaten using a fork.

Nutritional Values per Meal: 1/2 cup
- Calories: 25
- Calories From Fat: 10

- Total Fat: 1 gram
- Saturated fats: .1 grams
- Cholesterol: milligrams
- Sodium: 50 milligrams (without added salt)
- Total Carbohydrate: 5 grams
- Dietary Fiber: 1 gram
- Sugars: 3 grams
- Protein: 1 grams

For more recipies and to learn more about Suzanne, visit her website at:

http://www.diabeticdietrecipes.org
]]> http://www.theunitedwayblog.ca/index.php?entry=entry091120-085747

We are still wrapping up the Locally Lambton Dinner and giving thanks to everybody who supported us during the event. As you know, we raised over $18,000. Part of this success came as a result of Libro Financial Group's $2,000 sponsorship of the event.

Our next event is the Premiere Showing of Ghost Trap at the Sarnia Library on Friday, November 27th. Interest in tickets is really starting to pick up and we have added another showing; Saturday afternoon at 2:00 PM. Call United Way or email me to reserve your tickets or for more information.]]> http://www.theunitedwayblog.ca/index.php?entry=entry091116-075211

Once again the United Way will benefit when Mark McNabb presents the latest film in his growing movie library.

Ghost Trap will premiere on Friday, November 27th, 2009 at the Sarnia Library, and the United Way will receive $1 from every ticket sold. The movie is filmed in the Petrolia, Watford area, and is a great family movie suitable for all ages.

An interesting note of the movie, (or maybe not, depending), is I am actually in the film. I play a judge and am in the beginning and end of the movie; so there you go, another reason to see the film. Is another career on the horizon? Hardly, but I enjoyed the opportunity to do something that I have never done before and I am looking forward to see how I look.

The overall campaign is on schedule and is approaching the 60% level of the thermometer. Many campaigns are wrapping up this week and it might provide a bit of an indication how we might finish.

The Locally Lambton dinner was a huge success. We raised $18,000 and special thanks to all our sponsors, Norm Piquette, the farming organizations, everybody who donated auction items, and of course, all those who attended and participated in the auction! We have critique meetings planned to see how we can make next year's dinner even better.]]> http://www.theunitedwayblog.ca/index.php?entry=entry091106-095823

Norm Piquette of Normand Piquette Catering prepares the buffet table for the Locally Lambton Dinner. Shown here, Norm loads up the Greek Style Lamb; one of many popular choices on the buffet. Two whole sheep were donated in preparation for the Dinner which raised $18,000 for the United Way.

Currently, the campaign has reached almost $1,050,000 or 57% of the campaign goal.]]> http://www.theunitedwayblog.ca/index.php?entry=entry091105-121123

Thank you to everybody who played a role in our Locally Lambton Dinner held last night. Norm Piquette Catering, Sun Life Financial, and Libro Financial Group were our primary sponsors, but we could not have done it without all of the support from the agricultural community; growers, producers, and individuals who donated food items, auction items, and attendees.

In addition to the increased awareness of our campaign that night, we also raised $18,000; a $4,000 increase over last year. We at the United Way are very grateful for the support we receive for events like this, and for the campaign in general.

In total, we are at $1,041,000 of the $1.85 Million goal.]]> http://www.theunitedwayblog.ca/index.php?entry=entry091023-092032

With just over a week and a half to go, now is the time to get your tickets for the Locally lambton Dinner.

I promise you this will be the best ever dinner Buffet you will ever have!

I know all of you know by now that all of the food on the buffet is donated and has been raised, grown, or produced right here in Lambton County, What's more, all the food has been expertly prepared by Norm Piquette of Normand Piquette Catering.

Special thanks to Norm, and our two sponsors plus all of the producers, and farms who have contributed to this dinner. last year, we raised $14,000.

Sun LIfe and the Sarnia Sun Life Agents are our primary sponsors this year again, but we are proud to have added Libro FInancial Group this year. Among other things, all three Libro Lambton County branches are sponsoring the 12 foot Venetian Cream Cake that will be offered for dessert.

Call or email the United Way to reserve your tickets. 519 336-5452, or email me directly at dave@theunitedway.on.ca

]]> http://www.theunitedwayblog.ca/index.php?entry=entry091022-083435

Congratulations to all Future Shop Employees in Sarnia for obtaining 100% participation among their employees! The store has come close in the past, but for the first time, reached the 100% level.

Celebrating the achievement, Sue Burk, and Mari-Jo Scott died their hair, and Matt MacDougall strategically shaved parts of his moustache and beard.

The success of the Future Shop employee campaign helped the overall United Way of Sarnia-Lambton campaign surpass the 50% level of the campaign this week.

Currently, the campaign is sitting at 50.1% of the $1,85 Million goal.]]> http://www.theunitedwayblog.ca/index.php?entry=entry090924-081434

The Day of Caring has traditionally marked the official campaign kickoff for 15 of the last 16 years. Above, are five of 265 volunteers from across the community helping at at many jobs sites all over Lambton. Over the next couple of weeks, I will add more images and memories of the Day of Caring on my blog.

Overall, the campaign has eclipsed the 30% mark on the thermometer and is tracking very closely to last year. Currently, we are closing in on $600,000.

Many employee campaigns have already began in Lambton, and one, Ineos - Nova is almost finished. In fact, when I spoke to our Employee Co-ordinator, Liz Brown, she told me they were waiting on just nine more possible donors. Congrats to the employees at Ineos - Nova.]]> http://www.theunitedwayblog.ca/index.php?entry=entry090910-091307

The campaign is all but officially kicked off.

Our campaign will officially kickoff on Tuesday, September 22, 2009 with the traditional Day of Caring, but we are already at just over 20% of the $1,850,000 goal.

Paul Cooper, shown above is the 2009 Imperial Oil Loaned Representative. Paul began on Tuesday, September 8 and is already active on the campaign.

Later this morning, Imperial Oil will present the 2009 corporate donation and rumours are the gift will be better than last year! Log in tomorrow to see!

Sarnia Sting fans still have an opportunity to get their tickets to the Sarnia Sting home opener on Friday, Sept. 18 and support the United Way too. Just email unitedway@ssec.on.ca to order your tickets, and the United Way will receive $5 from every ticket.]]> http://www.theunitedwayblog.ca/index.php?entry=entry090820-080246

Thanks to early corporate donations like the one we received from the Bank of Montreal in the photo above, the Campaign has now hit the 15% level of our $1,850,000 goal. Bank of Montreal was the first of the banks in Sarnia to pledge their support with a $5,000 donation. Marten VandenBroek and I were on hand to accept the donation. Ironically, the gift was presented at their Exmouth Street location across the road from the Department of Fisheries and Oceans where they were holding another event.

Natalie Drew and her committee of volunteers held another successful BBQ and this time added a Trunk Sale on Thursday.

Final preparation for our Great Big Jam is taking place now. The Great Big Jam will take place on Saturday, August 22, 2009, and I hope to see as many of you there as possible. Special thanks to Steve Loxton of Great Big Sound for putting on the event. Ten bands will take to the stage beginning at noon on Saturday at the Dow People Place in Sarnia.]]> http://www.theunitedwayblog.ca/index.php?entry=entry090729-100751
The staff at the Department of Fisheries and Oceans and other Coast Guard related staff continue to build on their great history of United Way support.

During the many events held at the DFO, many staff involve their families including some in the Photo above. Corry Lester, daughter of employee Nancy Lester stand with Nathalie Drew at the cash table, while Christine Ryan, Jeddore McDonald, and Lawrence Swift are in the background.

While the DFO BBQ was being held, many of the United Way staff were at the office packing boxes and preparing for our move to the Chris Dawson Foundation Centre at 420 East St.
]]>