In an effort to meet the local community’s emerging needs, United Way Guelph Wellington Dufferin is investing in 95 social service programs at 57 community agencies during 2015 and 2016.
“In total, United Way is investing an additional $170,000 in community programs over and above the millions committed in previous years,” said Ken Dardano, executive director of United Way Guelph Wellington Dufferin. “Thanks to the tremendous support from donors, we have been able to increase our investment in the community 48 per cent over the past five years.”
United Way invests funds in community programs based on identified community needs. Local volunteers manage the distribution of funds, thoroughly researching and meeting with agencies applying to United Way to learn firsthand how their programs address local issues.
At the Community Impact Reception held on April 1, it was announced that four new agencies and nine new programs will receive funding, including the Guelph Community Health Centre’s Garden Fresh Box program ($15,000), Wellington County Learning Centre’s Bridges Out of Poverty program ($19,500) and Crime Stoppers’ It’s Your School, Make the Call program ($6,000).
“United Way has committed over $2.72 million in funding this year,” added Dardano. “Thanks to an extremely successful 2014 fundraising campaign, and the ongoing support of donors, we can continue to invest in vital social programs. Their support allows United Way to provide the consistent funding that local charities need to develop long-term programming that makes lasting change.”
Also at the event, it was announced that Karen Farbridge would be taking the lead as the 2015 United Way Campaign Chair.
“Karen has been a leader in our community for more than 20 years, interacting with many of our funded agencies on a daily basis. She understands the value of the work these agencies provide to our community, and we are confident that her leadership can pave the way for continued success with the United Way campaign,” Dardano said.
“I am looking forward to the opportunity to continue my support for United Way,” Farbridge said.
“My passion for Guelph and for building a stronger community fuels my decision to take on this role, and I believe that I can bring business and community together to make a difference for the upcoming campaign.”
A full list of United Way funded agencies is available at unitedwayguelph.com.
