United Way – Update

The United Way campaign has reached its goal.

The campaign in Kingston, Frontenac, Lennox and Addington has raised $3,414,000…14 thousand more than the goal.

The successful campaign wrapped up this morning with the touchdown breakfast attended by about 500 volunteers.

Climate Summit

More than 250 people, including Kingston and the Islands MP Mark Gerretsen attended a climate change rally in Springer Market Square on Sunday.

Gerretsen told the crowd the Liberal government believes climate change is real and something that needs to be taken seriously.

Gerretsen says he believes Canada is going to be a leader in addressing climate change.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and other leaders from around are meeting in a Paris suburb for talks aimed at fighting global warming.

Red Kettle

The Salvation Army says it needs more volunteers for its Christmas Kettle campaign.

Campaign coordinator Ed Peterson says they had to close some kettle locations on Saturday because they didn’t have enough volunteers.

The Kettle campaign kicked off on November 14th and runs until the afternoon of December 24th.

The Salvation Army Kettle campaign has collected about 15% of its $300,000 goal.

Operation Red Nose

The organizers say Operation Red Nose had a fantastic opening weekend in Kingston but still need volunteers.

58 volunteers helped provide 31 rides on Friday night and 46 volunteers managed to handle 89 rides on Saturday night.

People who took advantage of the designated driver program donated $2,175 dollars for local charities.

Lottery Winner

There’s a lottery winner in Kingston thanks to the October 31st Ontario 49 draw.

Michael Cook won $50,000.

Cook says he usually plays the same numbers but accidentally chose a different number than his son’s birthday and it paid off with the win.  He’s going to pay off some debts and take a trip to the Daytona 500.

Cook bought the winning ticket at Parkway Grocery on Princess Street.

Crystal Ball

The 2015 Crystal Ball was an overwhelming success – raising $170,000 for the Limestone Learning Foundation.  $68,000 raised during spontaneous Gala Giving will be used to establish the Tyler Ellison Memorial Fund.  Ellison was a student in the visual arts mentorship program in 2013 and passed away from cancer this fall.  The memorial fund will honour his courage and talent through supporting Limestone Learning Foundation projects in the area of the Arts.