The United Way Halton and Hamilton's annual evening of celebration took place last night (April 11) at the Burlington Convention Centre to recognize people and organizations who worked with the non-profit over the last year.
The charity announced that it had raised $12.5 million through its Local Love Community Match campaign, the largest amount ever raised for Halton and Hamilton’s programs.
“It’s so inspiring to see the community step up and help provide funding to support our community’s most vulnerable,” Kristen Jacob, vice president of marketing and communications at United Way Halton, said. “We have shown tremendous resilience over the past few years, and our team at United Way Halton and Hamilton are so thankful and grateful to each and every person who has helped to make this year's milestone campaign such a success."
The United Way worked with local organizations and communities to donate $1 for every $4 donated to the fundraising campaign, which had set its target goal $1.5 million dollars higher than last year.
“The programs United Way supports focus on improvements in poverty to possibility,” Jacob said. “Causes that work to end poverty and homelessness, money management skills for people who don’t have much money to work with, healthy snacks and a safe environment to make sure kids are making it to school, helping seniors overcome isolation or local family resource centres where stressed parents can find help right in their neighbourhoods."
More than 140,000 people were assisted thanks to the United Way last year, approximately one in every 10 people from Halton and Hamilton.
“We’re highly motivated to extend our reach even further,” Brad Park, president of United Way Halton, said. “Despite a 68 per cent increase in demand for social services programs, and over 50 per cent of agencies having wait lists, we’re hopeful these funds will help increase critical support to those who need it most.”
Some 600 people attended the annual dinner, including local leaders, labour partners and non-profit groups from Halton and Hamilton. The United Way presented seven awards to organizations and individuals for their contributions over the last year.
“We come together to recognize all of the caring individuals, engaged organizations and committed nonprofits who work tirelessly to foster our essential network of local supports,” Jacob said. “It’s a time for us to say a profound thank you to everyone who has supported United Way Halton and Hamilton over the past year.”
