Georgina
August 27, 2008 09:06 PM
York Region’s rapid growth is the drive behind United Way of York Region’s aggressive 2008 community goal of $9.5 million, a 5.5 per cent increase over last year’s record achievement.
“For the last six months, our volunteer cabinet of 22 business leaders from the region’s leading companies have met at United Way funded programs across the region: a classroom at the Welcome Centre in Vaughan, to a Markham drop-in program for homeless youth,” Court Carruthers, president of Acklands Grainger Inc. and volunteer chairperson of the 2008 Campaign Cabinet, said.
“We have seen the impact every donation to United Way of York Region makes. We have analyzed the statistics of unprecedented growth in municipalities across York Region. We are committed to keeping our region vital with a strong social service network, for all residents.”
The United Way campaign is like no other, Ian Proudfoot, cabinet vice chairperson and publisher of York Region Media Group, said.
“No other annual drive inspires thousands of volunteers and tens of thousands of donors across our sprawling region, connecting residents, industry leaders and people on the front line in a common cause,” he said. “No other annual drive shows, so visibly and intensely, what York Region residents already know. We are remarkable — together.”
For every person involved in reaching this $9.5 million target, the goal is something more than a number, United Way of York Region CEO Daniele Zanotti said.
“It’s counselling for a family in crisis,” he added. “It’s employment training for a laid-off father. It’s a day program for a son with developmental and intellectual challenges or food and shelter for a newcomer family unable to make ends meet.
“Our commitment to raise more each year is always and only to ensure that we are able to invest more in local services and keep apace with the rapid growth and constantly changing face of our communities.”
In 2007, UWYR distributed nearly $6.6 million to charitable organizations, with a record $5 million invested in close to 100 vital community programs addressing local priorities.
The remainder was distributed to United Ways in other communities and other charities as directed by individual donors.
The local organization’s cost effectiveness ensures that 83 cents of every dollar is invested directly into programs, a much improved ratio over the standard Canadian benchmark of 74 cents per dollar.
United Way of York Region focuses resources where the need is highest and will have the greatest impact.
They fund programs offered through member agencies targeting the region’s five identified priority issues: helping people struggling with mental health problems; providing services for newcomers and immigrants; giving safe refuge and healing to victims of abuse; helping address issues of affordable housing and homelessness; and promoting literacy through training and support.
The 2008 Campaign was launched at the Toromont CAT Dragon Boat Festival in support of United Way of York Region last Saturday at Seneca College King Campus.
A record 39 teams vied for the coveted Toromont CAT Cup, and raised $166,000, a 50 per cent increase over last year.
David Wetherald, vice president of Human Resources and Legal at Toromont CAT said “What a remarkable way to kick off this region-wide campaign. We are honoured to be here today and thankful that we are able to support an organization that makes our communities a better place for all of us.”
Dragon Boat Festival sponsors: included Toromont CAT (Title), AMD Inc. (Founding), Rogers Communications (Silver) and Rubicon Food Products Ltd., (Bronze).