MEDIA RELEASE
United Way invests in 92 local social service programs
Guelph, Ontario, April 20, 2016
In an effort to meet the local community’s emerging needs, United Way Guelph Wellington Dufferin is investing in 92 social service programs at 57 community agencies during 2016-2017.
“Thanks to the tremendous support from donors, we have been able to increase our investment in the community forty percent over the past five years”, said Ken Dardano, executive director of United Way Guelph Wellington Dufferin. “We are pleased this year to have been able to increase funding to a number of our programs, including many addressing the issue of poverty in our community.”
United Way invests funds in community programs based on identified community needs. Local volunteers manage the distribution of funds, thoroughly researching & meeting with agencies applying to United Way to learn first-hand how their programs address local issues.
At the Community Impact Reception held Wednesday, it was announced two new agencies will receive funding, including Big Brothers Big Sisters Centre Wellington and Community of Hearts, a learning centre for post-secondary individuals with intellectual disabilities. With the addition of BBBS Centre Wellington, United Way now funds all of the Big Brothers Big Sisters programs in Guelph, Wellington & Dufferin counties.
“United Way has committed over $2.74 million in funding this year,” added Mr. Dardano. “Thanks to an extremely successful 2015 fundraising campaign, and the ongoing support of donors, we can continue to invest in vital social programs. Their support allows United Way to provide the consistent funding that local charities need to develop long-term programming that makes lasting change.”
Also at the event, it was announced that Rick McCombie, Executive Vice-President at The Co-operators would be taking the lead as the 2016 United Way Campaign Chair.
“Rick truly understands and supports the mission of United Way, and has volunteered his time to many local United Ways throughout his career”, said Ken Dardano. “Rick knows how to get the job done, having been the Campaign Chair locally in 2006 & 2007, and we are pleased to have him onboard again to help lead us through the beginning of this next chapter.”
A full list of United Way funded agencies is available at unitedwayguelph.com.
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For more information:
Ken Dardano, Executive Director, United Way Guelph Wellington Dufferin
T: 519-831-3093 (cell); E: ken@unitedwayguelph.com
United Way Guelph Wellington Dufferin: Celebrating 75 years in 2015, United Way Guelph Wellington Dufferin works to monitor and meet the pressing social needs of our community. 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.
unitedwayguelph.com