Colourful United Way campaign ‘Unignorable’
The United Way Halton and Hamilton is making a big splash in its fundraising campaign this year through a burst of colour and art meant to inspire people to give.
“It’s time to start up a new conversation to old problems,” says Brenda Hajdu, vice-president of marketing and communications for the local UW.
The national and local campaign in partnership with the Pantone Color Institute is titled Unignorable.
It is accentuated by what the UW is calling an “irresistibly captivating coral shade,” along with artwork depicting the social problems the nonprofit agency works to abate.
“With our fundraising campaign coming up, we want people to be informed and inspired through art — so we are linking art to social change ...” Hajdu said.
The artwork is meant to spark interest and shine a spotlight on poverty, mental illness, social isolation, hunger, homelessness and associated problems.
The first of such art comes out Monday on the subject of mental illness. It depicts a sea of waves and, in the middle, an arm and hand sticking up. It shows how “when you battle a mental illness, you feel like you are drowning” Hajdu said.
The design will be shared through social media, and locally in Hamilton, will be the subject of a billboard on King Street East near West Avenue.
Last year, the local UW raised $10.5 million. This year’s target is $11 million. “In Hamilton alone, more than 104,00 people will rely on United Way-supported programs,” Hajdu said.
She says it’s important to donate to the United Way because it distributes funds to a number of charities and programs that can collectively help someone.
“We know that when people are suffering and are vulnerable, that they need multiple supports — so the United Way invests in that social safety net.”
Someone living in poverty may need not only programs to help them through poverty, but also support for mental health issues, or after-school programs for their kids, for instance.
Two local organizations are launching their 2018 workplace UW campaigns next week.
Hamilton Health Sciences kicks off its campaign Tuesday at McMaster Children’s Hospital from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. with remarks, a food truck and one-onone visits with the Ticats.
The City of Hamilton’s campaign kicks off Wednesday at city hall, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., with remarks, a fire truck pull and a barbecue.