United Way sets this year's fund-raising target at $9 million

Officials with the United Way of York Region hekd up this banner proclaiming this year's fund-raising goal.

United Way of York Region (UWYR) has moved to strengthen the local social service network with the launch of its 2007 fundraising campaign.

United Way is driving to break the $9 million barrier, a $1 million increase over last year's target.

Michael Hortie, president of Motorola Canada, and volunteer chair of the 2007 Campaign Cabinet stated "a $1 million jump may seem aggressive, but our volunteer Campaign Cabinet has seen the impact of United Way across neighbourhoods in York Region. That is why we are committed to a $9 million goal for 2007."

UWYR CEO Daniele Zanotti applauded the aggressive growth strategy saying "Our volunteers are inspired by the difference $9 million will make in our neighbourhoods."

The campaign was launched at the fourth annual AMD Dragon Boat Festival last Saturday at the king campus of Seneca College. There were 33 teams registered for this year's event, raising $111,000; a six per cent increase over last year.

The Dragon Boat Festival featured the traditional Awakening of the Dragon, performed by members of Chung Wah Kung Fu of Mississauga.

"It was another remarkable year for the AMD Dragon Boat Festival," Hortie remarked. "There was strong competition on the water and just as importantly, the community spirit and enthusiastic fund-raising made the event a great success. It's a very fitting way to launch our 2007 campaign."

Proceeds raised through the campaign fund a wide range of programs to assist people in need.

"For the mom and children who tried to escape abuse at home but could not find safe refuge in York Region because our two shelters were full, for the father who struggles with depression and is working hard to save his job and keep his family together, for the immigrant family that needs some help adapting to a new country and new culture - United Way of York Region is absolutely committed to a strong network of neighbourhood services to meet local priorities," Zanotti observed.

Rapid population growth, an aging demographic, increased cultural and ethnic diversity, and a significant number of commuters, have become the norm in York. It is vital that the social service infrastructure respond accordingly, the agency reported.

The first race started out as a close affair, but the York dragons, representing York Regional Police (foreground) were starting to show their superiority at this point.

In 2006 UWYR distributed nearly $6.5 million to charitable organizations. The majority of the money, $4.58 million, stayed in York, funding nearly 100 social service programs delivered by 39 local agencies. The remainder went to United Ways in other communities and other registered Canadian charities as directed by individual donors. UWYR's cost effectiveness is reflected in its 16 per cent cost ratio which is much lower than the well recognized Canadian charitable benchmark of 26 per cent.

United Way of York Region's Community Fund focuses on five priority areas in York: Supporting those who have mental health challenges; providing services for newcomers and immigrants; addressing domestic violence and abuse; tackling issues of affordable housing and homelessness; and promoting literacy.