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Stair climb raises $37,500

Students from across Oxford County packed the community complex for the 16th annual United Way stair climb. More than 1,400 students from all seven Oxford high schools participated at the Thursday morning event, raising $37,500 that will be invested in local programs and services.

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Students from across Oxford County packed the Woodstock District Community Complex for the 16th annual United Way stair climb.

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More than 1,400 students from all seven Oxford high schools participated at the Thursday morning event, raising $37,500 that will be invested in local programs and services.

The students made their annual showing in face paint, school colours, noise makers and signs as they vied against one another in friendly competition.

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Ingersoll District Collegiate Institute was crowned the stair climb champs for the 15th year in a row after for raising $11,441.

“I am thrilled to be part of yet another successful student stair climb,” Mike Crabbe, the resource development co-ordinator at United Way Oxford, said. “It’s inspiring to see youth stepping up and supporting their community.

“(It’s) is a great example of how youth want to give back and get involved. They all worked together and raised a lot of money to be invested into local, targeted programs.”

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Huron Park secondary school won the ice challenge, successfully navigating through games such as Hungry Hippo and chicken bowling. They also boasted two of the top three individual fundraisers.

Students from across Oxford County packed the community complex for the 16th annual United Way stair climb. More than 1,400 students from all seven Oxford high schools participated at the Thursday morning event, raising $37,500 that will be invested in local programs and services.Submitted photo
Students from across Oxford County packed the community complex for the 16th annual United Way stair climb. More than 1,400 students from all seven Oxford high schools participated at the Thursday morning event, raising $37,500 that will be invested in local programs and services.Submitted photo

Since the inception of the stair climb in 2004, more than $375,000 has been raised for the United Way Oxford.

The local organization kicked off their campaign in September and, for the first time, shifted from setting a specific fundraising goal to raising as much awareness about poverty and their programs as possible.

In 2018, the local campaign set a new record of $1,227,005 after setting a goal of $1.2 million.

Kelly Gilson, the United Way Oxford executive director, told the Sentinel-Review in September about 65 per cent of donations come from employees who have money taken off their paycheques starting Jan. 1.

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The United Way Oxford helps support local programs with funding opportunities that help improve people’s lives in the county.

The charity works in partnership to mobilize people and resources to support a network of programs that help people in need. Its investments work to address root causes of social problems and create change by focusing on three priority areas – poverty, communities and kids.

A report by Postmedia News last week that looked at United Way campaigns across Southwestern Ontario pointed to a growing need for the programs and services they provide. That need comes at the same time as uncertainty of potential cuts to social services by the provincial government.

Other fundraisers such as the UDodge tournament and Tampon Tuesday help generate attention to local needs and get members of the community involved.

“We are grateful for everyone who helped make it a success,” Crabbe said. “It’s always such a treat to see the enthusiasm that the students bring to my favourite event of the year.”

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