Growth driving United Way $9 million goal this year

A mid-campaign analysis shows United Way of York Region (UWYR) is on track to its bold 2007 $9 million fund-raising campaign goal.

Corporate leaders spearheading the campaign remain driven by growth in the 905 area and social needs.

At the midway point, the 2007 United Way of York Region campaign has raised $4,092,000, representing 45 per cent of the goal.

Mike Hortie, president of Motorola Canada and volunteer chair of the United Way Campaign Cabinet, observed that population growth is the single driving push behind this year's campaign.

"As business leaders, we understand supply and demand," he remarked. "The truth is, supply of social service supports in York Region is shockingly below demand. That is unacceptable."

"We have been celebrating some remarkable campaign results this fall," Hortie added. "However, we recognize good news typically comes in early. Now, at the mid-campaign point, we must remain focused on the need for social services in neighbourhoods across York Region. The last two months of the campaign are critical - we cannot leave any money on the table."

"Our corporate leaders understand the huge gap between needs and services in York Region," commented United Way of York Region CEO Daniele Zanotti. "They have seen the value of a strong network of social service agencies close to where you live. The final push in our march to $9 million is important only as a means to that end."

"In neighbourhoods as remarkable as ours, social service needs are not that obvious," he added. "It is understandable that people who are struggling tend to camouflage their situation. It is our responsibility to give voice to the people we serve and the needs they face."

A recent PricewaterhouseCoopers audit showed a long-standing and significant gap in government funding for social service programs in York Region and other GTA/905 communities, according to United Way. The report stated the gap is getting wider as population growth continues to outstrip funding. It is vital that York Region's social service infrastructure meets today's needs, or face the threat of neighbourhoods becoming overwhelmed in the future.

United Way of York Region's Community Fund focuses on five priority areas: 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.

Members of the 2007 UWYR Campaign Cabinet held their mid-campaign strategic planning meeting at Community Living York South, a United Way member agency. Community Living supports people with an intellectual disability to live, learn, work and participate in the community.