United Way deserves generous support: Editorial
United Way Toronto and York Region has an ambitious goal for its annual fundraising campaign and will need strong support to reach it.

TheStar.com
Sept. 16, 2016

Toronto is a haven for newcomers like the people fleeing from war-torn Syria, and a key factor in helping them adapt is the United Way. With immigrants arriving every day, demand for services is high and the charity has responded by boosting its annual fundraising goal to $101.5 million.

It’s a target that deserves strong support.

Money donated to United Way Toronto and York Region strengthens a network of more than 200 member agencies. Together, they mend lives by helping to house the homeless, feed the hungry, give support to the disabled and shelter to the abused, among a host of other services.

As reported by the Star’s Megan Dolski, support for new immigrants is an important focus of the coming year’s efforts. “They need language support and they need help finding jobs,” said RBC president and CEO Dave McKay, who is leading the 2016 campaign. “The need keeps growing in Toronto and York, so we felt strongly we had to increase what we felt was already a large goal.”

Last year’s $100-million target was topped, with 23,000 volunteers and 760 participating workplaces managing to raise $100.2 million. That was deemed an “amazing” community response, but even better will be required for 2016, given the United Way’s more ambitious campaign goal.

It can be reached, but only through determined effort from business, labour, community organizations, schools, churches, service clubs and thousands of individual donors.

Showing the way, the charity announced a gift of up to $1 million from long-time supporters Mike and Martha Pederson. The grant will be distributed to match donations of $1,200 or more.

It’s vital that the United Way succeed. The annual campaign is about more than raising money; it’s about bettering people’s lives. Whether rich, poor, or somewhere in between, when we support this worthy cause the community we strengthen is ultimately our own. Please give.