Better Is Possible.
Guelph, Ontario, Sept. 12, 2024. With an official wave of the flag, United Way Guelph Wellington Dufferin, along with community partners and supporters, officially launched the 2024 fundraising campaign with a message for all – Better Is Possible.
“We all want a thriving community. We want to be happy, to feel supported, to be surrounded by people who care about us. When we have what we need to live a better life, we all do better; our community thrives”, said Glenna Banda, executive director, United Way Guelph Wellington Dufferin.
“We want to do the good thing, but life is busy and we’re pulled in different directions”, said Ray Stultz, 2024 Campaign Chair. “That’s where United Way comes in. We’re here to make sure the community we all love is taken care of, that our social service sector is able to support the thriving community we all want to live in. It only takes a minute to make a donation and do that good thing.”
The event was held at the Shelldale Centre, a hub of community programs, many of which are funded by United Way. Tom Armitage from The Seed and Kristen Cairney from Wyndham House spoke to the work of United Way’s From Poverty to Possibility network, which brings food and housing partners together to look at how to address the root causes of poverty while also creating systemic change.
“Leveraging our role as a community convenor, our commitment to meaningful community impact and our relationships with other community planners and partners, this innovative strategy is not like others in our community – because it’s not only supported by amazing partners, but it’s got some funding and big dreams to fuel it,” said Banda.
United Way is the second largest funder of social services in the country, second only to government. Raised by local community members, United Way invests millions in the local community to support important programs like food pantries, emergency shelters and mental health crisis lines. In addition, United Way has been a trusted partner of the Government of Canada to distribute funds to local organizations and is partnering with the Guelph Community Foundation to raise funds under the Home for Good campaign to support permanent supportive housing in Guelph.
“Poverty is not a choice. Mental health is not a choice. But do you know what is a choice? Giving back. Being kind. Being better”, said Banda. “We aren’t going to solve issues like food insecurity and homelessness in the next six months, but we can make incremental change, day in and day out, believing that in the end it will all add up to better.”
“We’re starting at zero once again with the launch of this campaign. Over $2.6 million needs to be raised this year by local community members to maintain support to important life changing, and sometimes life-saving, programs and supports in our community”, said Stultz. “Let’s do this! We can help each other live better lives – because what’s better for you, is better for everyone. Better is possible and here’s no better time than now.”
Donations are accepted at workplaces across Guelph and Wellington and Dufferin counties and encouraged by the general community through the United Way office (519-821-0571 or www.unitedwaygwd.com). Donations, as always, will stay 100% local.
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United Way Guelph Wellington Dufferin has worked in our community for over 80 years to monitor and meet the pressing social needs of our community, including poverty, social isolation and mental health. Directed by a volunteer board, managed by committed staff and supported by thousands of donors, United Way works with partners in all sectors to improve lives and build community. Donations stay 100% local, always. For more information, please visit unitedwaygwd.com
For more information:
Glenna Banda, Executive Director
United Way Guelph Wellington Dufferin
glenna@unitedwaygwd.com
Colleen Murdoch, Director Community Engagement & Impact
United Way Guelph Wellington Dufferin
colleen@unitedwaygwd.com