Increase in community investment, record breaking Campaign
March 7, 2010
For an incredible ninth consecutive year, United Way has achieved its Campaign goal. This year’s goal of $7.4 million was surpassed with a total contribution of $7,685,778.
More than ever, individuals and families in London and Middlesex County have needed to turn to programs and services to help them deal with the impact of last year’s economic downturn. More than ever, our community has risen to the challenge of helping their friends and neighbours.
United Way of London & Middlesex has achieved its Campaign goal for an incredible ninth consecutive year. This year’s goal of $7.4 million was surpassed with a total contribution of $7,685,778. Despite the challenging financial climate this spectacular achievement is a $334,358 increase from the previous year.
“We are just amazed by the generosity of our community. With the economic decline, and with many people out of work in our community, we really didn’t know what to expect,” says Chirag Shah, 2009 Campaign Chair. “However, the London and Middlesex community responded to the increasing needs and went above and beyond.”
“The inspiring generosity of our donors and the remarkable commitment demonstrated by United Way’s passionate staff and volunteers is something we deeply appreciate” says Andrew Lockie, CEO of United Way of London & Middlesex. “This tremendous result is critical in positioning United Way to make a significant impact in the community”.
Investing in our community
Through the generosity of the people of London and Middlesex, nearly $6.6 million in agency investments and community building efforts will help achieve United Way’s vision of a community where everyone matters.
United Way community development: United Way is a leader in identifying the root causes of social issues and bringing together people and resources to find lasting solutions. Increased investment will strengthen United Way’s ability to support our community and address emerging issues such as poverty, literacy and cultural diversity.
Strategic initiatives funding: From recommendations by experienced volunteers and United Way staff, United Way’s Board of Directors makes short-term investments each year that address emerging issues.
Donor-designated funding: Donors are able to direct their gift to one or more organizations of their choice. These designations, when directed to United Way funded agencies, are in addition to the agency allocations listed below.
United Way funded agency allocations: The agency funding decision process is a detailed review led by a team of experienced volunteers, to ensure the investment of Campaign contributions in programs that provide proven results for our community. For 2010/2011, United Way will invest a record $5.2 million in programs and services throughout London and Middlesex.
*Click here for a full list of investments.
Responding to what matters
In the past year, United Way has conducted a thorough review of local needs to understand the best way to support the community in the face of economic changes. For example, from October through December 2009, ThinkCommunity.ca was launched as a way for London and Middlesex residents to have a voice on the issues that mattered most to them. Over 1,250 responses clearly indicated that people are concerned about issues such as food and shelter, mental health and access to affordable programs, such as recreation for children.
In response, United Way’s Board of Directors and allocations volunteers placed special attention on programs that help to respond to individuals and families who are dealing with job loss, mental health issues and family stress as a result of unemployment and/or the economic downturn.
Investment highlights
Some of the investments this year include:
- Counselling and mental health programs. Organizations that provide subsidized counselling for individuals dealing with mental health issues saw a significant growth in need. Programs through Family Service Thames Valley and Daya Counselling Centre will help to ensure that local residents have access to these services when they need them. Programming through the Canadian Mental Health Association also helps to make mental health education programs available to individuals and their families on issues such as depression.
- Recreation for children. For families who have experienced unemployment over the past year, many children may no longer be able to take part in sports, recreation and camping experiences. United Way’s investments in the Boys’ and Girls’ Club, Stevenson Camp and Scouts Canada provide opportunities for all children to continue to participate in these important activities.
- Crisis supports and basic needs. In a year when people are experiencing more stress and uncertainty, the London & District Distress Centre has provided a much needed, anonymous support service run entirely by volunteers. Four neighbourhood resource centres in London – Crouch Neighbourhood Resource Centre, Glen Cairn Community Resource Centre, LUSO Community Services and South London Neighbourhood Resource Centre – all provide critical supports related to basic needs and programming for local residents.
- Accessing government benefits. An increased investment to the London Employment Help Centre will allow individuals who are entitled to access benefits from government programs such as Employment Insurance and Ontario Works. In 2008-09, $14,155,386 was accessed on behalf of residents of our community.
- Responding to violence in the home and in our community. United Way’s investments in programs delivered through Women’s Rural Resource Centre in Strathroy, Changing Ways and the Sexual Assault Centre ensure that children, couples, families and young women who have experienced violence are able to receive the support they need to heal.
“The demands for social services in London and Middlesex County have risen. Many people who were once able to give to United Way are now using programs and services we fund,” says Lockie. “This Campaign result means United Way will be able to increase our overall investment in vital community programs and services. Being able to meet these needs with long-term solutions means we are one step closer to building a community where everyone matters”.
This event is sponsored by Intact Insurance (lead sponsor) and PriceWaterhouseCoopers.
* Visit our flickr page to view United Way Celebration event photos.
About United Way
The largest non-government funder of social services in London and Middlesex County, United Way creates real, lasting change to improve the quality of life of all people in our communities. United Way identifies and understands the root causes of social issues; brings together research, experts and resources; initiates and invests in the most needed and proven programs; and develops leaders and skills to strengthen the non-profit sector.
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For more information, please contact:
Johanna Mesjarik, Communications Coordinator
519-438-1723 ext. 346