United Way sets $1.5M goal

United Way sets $1.5M goal

News

The $1.5-million goal the United Way of Greater Simcoe County has set is aggressive, but campaign chairperson Mark Aitken thinks it’s achievable.

He said it is a significant increase over last year’s $1.36-million campaign.

“I have come to realize over the past several years that there is so much more going on at United Way with an abundance of fulfilling and rewarding ways for people to get involved in the community,” said Mr. Aitken, Simcoe County’s chief administrative officer.

“It’s all about the little things that each and every one of us can do to build an exceptional and complete community for our residents. Everyone has something to contribute.”  

The fundraising campaign launched Sept. 9 and Seija Suutari, chief executive officer of the United Way, said the 10-per-cent increase is considered a big deal.

“We struggled this year with the notion we were asking for $1.5 million, but how can you place a value on a human life?” she said.

She said Mr. Aitken gave a good example when he compared the fundraising goal to the $205-million Simcoe County receives for human and social services each year.

“We have 150,000 clients that are touched by United Way services. That is one-in-three people in Simcoe County.”

Troubled youth, children of single parents, seniors making ends meet, and teen parents all benefit from the organization.

Joanne McPhail, United Way chairperson, said the economy has created hard times for everyone. “If we are feeling the pinch, imagine what it’s like for those who are marginalized due to circumstances beyond their control,” she said.

“Now, more than ever, we need everyone working towards our shared vision to inspire our residents, build stronger, more resilient neighbourhoods, and to improve and change people’s lives each day.”   

Donations are made through local businesses’ dress-down days or payroll deductions, and one-time gifts from residents.

Ms Suutari said people can also donate online or during the organization’s fall mail campaign. For more information, call 726-2301.

All content contained in this or any other yorkregion.com website including but not limited to textual, audio, video and any graphics are copyright 2000-2008 Metroland Media Group Ltd. and can not be used in any part without expressed written permission, with the exception of content in the yorkregion.com Pen & Pixel section, which requires the written consent of the authors.