Planned United Way amalgamation will benefit Peel: interim CEO

Mississauga.com
Sept. 29, 2017
Chris Clay

A merger that’s in the works between the United Way of Peel Region and United Way Toronto & York Region will mean a greater ability to fundraise and more support for Peel-based agencies and programs, says the local entity’s interim CEO and president.

Anita Stellinga believes the proposed merger, which still needs to be approved by United Way Peel members during a vote slated for Oct. 26, will strengthen their fundraising while also allowing them to continue to meet the needs of the communities they serve in Mississauga, Brampton and Caledon. She said there’s increasing competition for fundraising dollars and joining the world’s largest United Way in the Toronto York organization will give them greater reach.

The United Ways in Toronto and York combined in 2015. Prior to the two amalgamating, they individually raised a total of $97 million but, working together, raised slightly more than $100 million in 2015 and $102 million in 2016.

Their goal for 2017 is $103 million.

United Way Peel’s 2016 fundraising target to pay for the 53 agencies and 88 programs it supports was $12 million and they raised about $11.7 million. This year it’s $11.4 million.

Stellinga said discussions about the merger began earlier in the year and it has been a “significant priority” for their board. If approved, she feels it will increase her organization’s scope and give it a more impactful voice in the region while also better serving residents and their donors.

She says Peel’s needs at the local level will continue to be addressed if the merger goes forward and that Peel will have representation on the board of directors to have a say in both governance and decision-making. It will also have seats on the various committees.

They will maintain a physical presence in the region and have no immediate plans to move their headquarters on Burnhamthorpe Road West near Square One Shopping Centre. No decisions have been made on the local staffing but Stellinga did say the reasons for why they entered merger discussions were not about “downsizing.”

The various agencies and programs they support will continue to be funded for this year. Going forward, the goal is “grow” investment in the community.

“We’re committed to remaining fiercely local in Peel Region,” said United Way Peel board of director’s chair Thomas Dyck in a release. “And, we know that as one United Way covering all of Toronto, York Region and Peel, we’ll be able to do more to expand local investments, strengthen our sector’s capacity to respond to the issues and challenges that our region and its people are facing and provide outstanding service to our donors and volunteers.”

The Peel board voted in support of the merger on Sept. 13 with the Toronto York board giving the go-ahead during a meeting on Sept. 26.

If approved, the plan is to begin operations as a singular entity on April 1.