Because 17 % of families in London live below the Low-Income Cut-Off (LICO). If you are the child of single parent or an immigrant, your odds of living in poverty are even higher - 46% of single parent-led households and 51% of immigrants live below the LICO. (Statistics Canada)

1 of every 5 children born today in London will live in poverty.
(CYN 2008)

In London, food bank usage is up 30% since 2006 and our local Ontario Works social assistance caseload is up 46%.

Imagine what it means to be a kid living in poverty. Some kids wake up, and go to bed, hungry. Some families can’t afford what many consider “the basics”, like school supplies and winter boots

Because of the stigma associated with poverty, kids living in poverty are often bullied and isolated.

BUT you can create real, lasting CHANGE. Support United Way and you support local programs and services that help children and families living in poverty access the support they need.

Right now. Right here. You can make a difference.
CHANGE STARTS WITH YOU.

Think again. Poverty has a real cost for every household in Ontario. In real terms, poverty costs every household in the province at least $2,300 per year. It shows up in extra costs in our health care system, the costs of crime, the cost of social assistance. When you add it up, the social costs of poverty add up to more than $10 billion per year. (Ontario Association of Foodbanks).

Learn more here:
http://www.oafb.ca/assets/pdfs/CostofPoverty.pdf

Giving to United Way is more than supporting one cause. A contribution to United Way becomes part of a major community building effort that works to achieve an inspiring vision: a community where everyone matters.

United Way London & Middlesex invests in more than 70 programs and services that meet the immediate needs and address the root causes of issues that individuals and families face.

Poverty is complex, but through investment, advocacy and the mobilization of resources, United Way is working toward a community where:

• Everyone’s basic needs are met
• Everyone has the skills, supports and information they
  need to be engaged in our community and make their best possible contribution
• Everyone is financially stable

To do this, we have established multi-dimensional strategies that address the root causes of poverty and financial instability. In a community where everyone matters, we will create opportunities for individuals and families to not just survive in our community, but to thrive and contribute.

When you give to United Way, you are achieving greater impact by combining your support with others. This approach enables us to make major investments in programs and services that provide proven results for our community. To a kid living in poverty this means programs that will help them succeed by feeding their bellies, nurturing their minds and developing healthy social skills.

Each of the 113 United Way locations in Canada is governed locally so that each United Way can work to make a difference in their own community. In London and Middlesex County we focus on three impact areas identified by our community: poverty, mental health and beginnings & transitions.

Change starts here, because change starts at home.

You betcha. We believe that in order to be effective, we must be efficient. As a direct result of leveraging volunteer efforts, significant in-kind support, and maintaining a small staff group, United Way is proud to report that our independently and externally audited fundraising costs over the past 3 years represent 16% of net (currently 2 years 15%) donations and grants. This is far lower than Canada Revenue Agency’s recommended guideline of 35%.

United Way is also a flagship member of Imagine Canada’s Ethical and Fundraising and Financial Accountability Code.

Spread the word. Tell everyone you know why you love United Way and how their donation, support and clicks can make a difference today. Show your love and help us make a change.

Donate my spare change to make real change.