Never satisfied to rest on the laurels of a record-breaking 2009, United Way of York Region (UWYR) has mapped out an aggressive strategy for the years to come, focused on investing in strength and innovation.

The news was shared with a group of more than 120 community and corporate leaders recently at UWYR’s 34th annual general meeting.

In his final address as chair, Mark Foerster, vicepresident of Munich Reinsurance Company, applauded the more than 1,000 volunteers who inspired UWYR to another record campaign achievement and continued critical investments in local programs and services.

“I must also thank our Board of Directors,” Foerster said. “Thanks to their effort and insight, in 2009, we set a transformational framework that will shape the work of United Way for years to come, including our new strategic directions and community priorities. I am honoured to have served as chair.”

“Ours is a simple and singular focus, year after year: giving a helping hand to your family member, neighbour, co-worker,” stated UWYR CEO Daniele Zanotti. “And, in 2009, we changed the lives of over 290,000 people and their families right here in York Region. This is our success. This is our reason for being.”

The 2009 allocation to the community included: • $4,946,539 invested directly into the critical network of social service programs across York Region’s nine municipalities, 100 programs delivered by 39 member agencies; • $579,599 supporting community leadership programs: training and education for the sector’s volunteers and leaders on issues including governance and evaluation; • $1.8M distributed to other United Ways and charities, as directed by donors.

Zanotti hinted at the transformational work being piloted over 2010.

“In all of our research and community meetings, participants encouraged United Way to innovate solutions to our increasingly complex social problems – and to do so by leveraging the strength of residents, business and agencies,” Zanotti said. “We are busy working behind the scenes for what will be a game-changing announcement during United Way Week, October 4th through 8th.”

This year’s keynote speaker was award-winning Toronto Star columnist and author Joe Fiorito. He discussed the importance of shifting society’s notion of how social services are provided, especially in this time of economic instability. Fiorito encouraged United Way to set its focus on ensuring basic needs were met for people in need, and bring diverse stakeholders together to test new approaches to the region’s emerging social issues.