United Way sets goal of $101.5M for 2016
Charity raises fundraising bar to support new immigrants, youth, communities in need
United Way of Toronto and York Region has launched its annual fundraising campaign, increasing its goal from last year to try to raise $101.5 million by the end of December.
“We are really focused on trying to meet the growing needs within the community, with lots of new immigrants coming to the city . . . they need language support and they need help finding jobs,” said RBC’s president and CEO, Dave McKay, who is leading this year’s campaign.
“The needs keep growing in Toronto and York, so we felt strongly we had to increase what we felt was already a large goal.”
He says the goal is ambitious, but one he fully intends to meet.
The regional United Way organiza- tion runs with the support of more than 20,000 volunteers, along with a network of community organizations and partners. The charity says it aims to make a difference longterm by targeting social issues faced by the people living and working in the area.
Last year, the regional charity beat its goal — raising $100.2 million — in what was the first annual campaign undertaken by the Toronto and York branches together, after they officially merged earlier in 2015.
“We are going to continue to dig deep in our community agenda, which is helping youth get the employability they need, helping neighbourhoods that are gapping and moving people from poverty to possibility,” said Daniele Zanotti, the charity’s CEO.
The charity also announced the Mike and Martha Pederson Challenge Grant, which promises to match donations of $1,200 or more, up to $1 million.