Members of the CFB Kingston Defence Team gathered for a delicious pancake breakfast hosted at Routledge Dining Hall, 14 September, 2022 to mark the start of this year’s National Defence Workplace Charitable Campaign (NDWCC). The meal was served by members of the base and lodger unit command teams and other volunteers.
“I want to give a huge thank you to all the participants—in particular the kitchen staff from the Rutledge Dining Hall,” said Major Ian Bird, campaign chair of this year’s NDWCC Committee. “The staff were essential in making this a successful Kick-Off Breakfast and a great start to the CFB Kingston NDWCC.”
The purpose of the NDWCC at CFB Kingston is to raise money, support, and awareness of charitable organization and community groups in the Kingston area, in partnership with United Way Kingston, Frontenac, Lennox & Addington (United Way KFL&A). Last year, campaign efforts raised more than $200,000, and the goal for this year has been set at $210,000.
“I know that the people of CFB Kingston have very generous hearts,” said Colonel Sonny Hatton, commander of CFB Kingston. “I have no doubt that we will exceed this goal as helping those in need of assistance during a difficult period of their lives is a part of who we are as members of the Defence Team.”
Several events will be happening around the base throughout the campaign, including “Dress-down Fridays,” a base-wide raffle, and a Unit Charitable Champion Contest.
“We implemented the Unit Charitable Championship Contest last year and this was very well received,” said Maj. Bird. “It gives the lodger units additional motivation to compete for a good cause.”
According to Maj. Bird, this year’s campaign will focus more on canvassing efforts for individual donations, as these one-time or ongoing donations have the greatest impact in the community.
“I was both amazed and inspired by the work these organizations are doing to help people in the area,” said Col. Hatton, reflecting on his recent experience on the United Way’s Seeing is Believing tour. The tour highlights the charity work taking place at locations across the city, such as One Roof Kingston, which provides services to vulnerable and homeless youth.
“I would encourage everyone to take the opportunity to learn more about how these donations directly support our local community,” said Col. Hatton.
The campaign will run until 23 November, 2022, concluding with a “Touch Down” wrap-up event, where the base-wide raffle winner will be selected, and the Unit Charitable Champions will be declared.
If you haven’t already seen them, designated unit canvassers will be coming around to your workspace soon! You may also donate online via ePledge at https://www.canada.ca/en/department-national-defence/campaigns/ndwcc-2022.html.
The NDWCC is the Department of National Defence’s contribution to the whole of government effort in the annual Government of Canada Workplace Charitable Campaign (GCWCC).
For more information on the campaign, events, activities, and updates, members of the Defence Team can visit the CFB Kingston NDWCC website at CFB Kingston National Defence Workplace Charitable Campaign (NDWCC) | CFB Kingston (mil.ca).
Witten by: By SLt Nathan Charbonneau, Public Affairs Officer
