At a time where many people are struggling with the rise in housing and food costs, the United Way is pressing for more support to fill the need that continues to increase.
The United Way Guelph Wellington Dufferin launched its 2024 campaign Thursday, it’s 84th such campaign.
It featured an Olympic-style entrance with campaign chair Ray Stultz seen on video carrying the United Way flag to various locales across Guelph, from The Boathouse to a local basketball court and finishing with a run into The Shelldale Centre.
No set funding goal was announced.
“We used to launch a campaign where we would hold up numbers at the front of the room, and we still don’t feel like we’re really in a position that we want to do that,” said Glenna Banda, United Way Guelph Wellington Dufferin’s executive director.
“The reason is the demand is so high.”
Despite raising $2.54 million for the 2023 campaign, funding applications from partners last fall more than 2.5 times what United Way could distribute.
This meant some programs went without funding.
The money raised goes toward local programs like food pantries, shelters, mental health crisis lines, after school programs and more.
“We should be proud that we’re taking steps to help in each and every way,” Stutz said.
“Our community’s United Way campaign is a long-standing tradition of community members that come together to solve complex issues and support many individuals.”
He added the work isn’t done alone. It is done in partnership with community organizations, and workplace campaigns were highlighted as being a key to success.
Banda said community members don’t have to donate much to make a difference.
“We have a term that we like to use, the everyday hero,” she said.
“In a workplace, what that means is donating a dollar a day. I think it’s really reflecting on how we can each give, so if you think about every person in Guelph Wellington Dufferin, (if they) donated $10, we would exceed our expectations.”
Banda said the organization wants to raise $2.6 million, at minimum, to maintain current programming.
The campaign slogan #BetterIsPossible was repeated several times throughout the hour-long launch. It was the same slogan going into 2023.
“I think (the slogan) really resonated with the community, so we’ll see how long we’re going to stick with it,” Banda said. “People really seem to love it, and love the hopeful, positive nature of it.”
United Way accepts donations year-round, and can be done either online or by calling the United Way office at 519-821.0571.
