MEDIA RELEASE
Local United Way Campaign Calls for Community’s Support
Shortage Could Put Critical Community Services At Risk
Guelph, Ontario, December 10, 2024.
Every year United Way starts at zero and looks to raise millions of dollars to maintain support to community partners. A combination of fewer people giving and the sudden postal strike are putting the annual campaign behind where United Way hoped to be this year.
“If we are unable to make up the difference, it could result in changes to United Way’s funded programs in the new year – a situation that no one wants,” said Glenna Banda, executive director, United Way Guelph Wellington Dufferin. “What does that translate to in real life? It means a food bank open one less day per week, or a client unable to receive life-saving counselling during a mental health crisis. These programs are life-changing and life-saving for tens of thousands of community members,” said Banda.
Right now, many of our neighbours, friends and family are struggling – struggling to put food on their tables, to keep a roof over their heads and with their mental health. Our non-profit sector is also struggling to meet the demand of our community.
United Way supports 51 programs across Guelph, Wellington & Dufferin. That’s 51 doors that are open when our community members need them most. But the fact is, United Way is only able to support these programs as people are able to give.
“We, in some ways more than others, totally understand that the affordability crisis has impacted everyone, and that might mean that despite wanting to support, you just can’t this year. But for those who are able to give, know that your donation, large or small, will make a difference,” said Ray Stultz, 2024 United Way Campaign Chair. “The power of United Way is the cumulative effect – if everyone could give even $10, added together, just imagine what that would do and how that would help.”
Recent community data shows that the rate of childhood poverty in Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph is higher than the national average in some of our neighbourhoods. 1 in 4 people in our community are struggling with food insecurity. 198 people are experiencing chronic homelessness in Guelph Wellington.
“These numbers are upsetting. But we know we have the vision, ability and partnerships to make better possible,” said Banda.
A donation to United Way helps meet urgent needs as well as drive innovative solutions for lasting change and a better tomorrow. United Way leads two collective initiatives – From Poverty to Possibility, which works at the intersection of income, food & housing, and All That Kids Can Be, which works to mitigate the impacts of adverse childhood experiences in children & youth. Combined, this is a collection of 18 local organizations that United Way not only funds, but also helps to facilitate joint approaches for efficiencies and greater impact.
A donation also helps United Way support emerging needs and help to fill gaps as they arise. In 2023, after PIN closed its doors, United Way took over the operation of the Guelph-Wellington Volunteer Portal to help keep volunteerism alive in our community. When the Sanguen Health Van faced a potential closure, United Way was able to step in to provide funding to ensure the service could continue to provide vital health services to our community’s most vulnerable.
“In addition to providing funding to help people meet their basic needs, access mental health services and ensure children & youth realize their full potential, United Way is deeply committed to the sustainability and strengthening of our charitable and nonprofit sector. A strong social services sector is critical to meet the increasing health, social and economic needs of our community.”
“Building community takes community. Better is possible because of compassionate, caring individuals who want to help us support kids, families, and people living in vulnerable circumstances to have the best chance at a safe and fulfilled life. We need every dollar to help make a profound difference in our communities,” said Banda.
“If you have the capacity to give or to even give a little bit more this year, your support is greatly appreciated. Every donation helps and ensures no one in our community has to face challenges alone,” said Stultz.
Donations are accepted online at unitedwaygwd.com, by phone at (519) 821-0571 or in person at the United Way office (85 Westmount Road, Guelph). 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 to United Way are accepted year-round, by visiting us online at unitedwaygwd.com or by calling the United Way office 519-821-0571. Donations stay 100% local, always. For more information, please visit unitedwaygwd.com
For More Information:
Glenna Banda, Executive Director
United Way Guelph Wellington Dufferin
Colleen Murdoch
Director, Community Engagement & Impact
United Way Guelph Wellington Dufferin
