WELLINGTON COUNTY – Starting from zero and working their way up, United Way looks to raise millions of dollars each year to support community partners.
However, a decline in donors, coupled with the effects of the recent Canada Post strike, has caused this year’s campaign to fall short of expectations.
“If we are unable to make up the difference, it could result in changes to United Way’s funded programs in the new year – a situation that no one wants,” stated Glenna Banda, executive director of United Way Guelph Wellington Dufferin, in a press release.
“What does that translate to in real life? It means a food bank open one less day per week, or a client unable to receive life-saving counselling during a mental health crisis. These programs are life-changing and life-saving for tens of thousands of community members.”
Banda told the Advertiser the organization has seen a 15 to 25 per cent decrease in people giving since last year.
United Way works to support 51 programs across Guelph, Wellington and Dufferin.
According to United Way, recent community data from Public Health Canada and the Canadian mental Health Association shows 198 people are experiencing chronic homelessness in Guelph Wellington and the rate of childhood poverty in Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph is higher than the national average in some neighbourhoods.
United Way leads two collective initiatives: “From Poverty to Possibility,” which works at the intersection of income, food and housing, and “All That Kids Can Be,” which works to mitigate the impacts of adverse childhood experiences in children and youth. Combined, this is a collection of 18 local organizations.
A donation also helps United Way support emerging needs and fill gaps as they arise. In 2023, after PIN closed its doors, United Way took over the operation of the Guelph-Wellington Volunteer Portal to help keep volunteerism alive in the community.
When the Sanguen community health van faced a potential closure, United Way was able to step in to provide funding to ensure the service could continue to provide vital health services to the community’s most vulnerable.
“Building community takes community,” stated Banda. “Better is possible because of compassionate, caring individuals who want to help us support kids, families, and people living in vulnerable circumstances to have the best chance at a safe and fulfilled life.
“We need every dollar to help make a profound difference in our communities.”
The organization’s goal this year is to raise $2.5 million dollars and it is currently short $150,000 to $200,000.
“The postal strike has put us in a unique situation,” Banda told the Advertiser.
“Its difficult to asses if donations are in the mail or just not coming; it is something we will need to monitor into the new year.”
Donations are accepted online at unitedwaygwd.com, by phone at 519 821-0571 or in person at the United Way office, 85 Westmount Road in Guelph, Monday to Friday from 8:30am to 4:30pm.
All donations received will stay in the Guelph, Wellington and Dufferin communities.