By Staff
December 17, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
United Way leaders pushing hard for people in our community saying that 95% is not good enough.
Chantel Broten, President of Jan Kelly Marketing, heads up the Burlington side of the United Way campaign. Hamilton and Burlington joined forces to raise the funds needed to help the 164,000 people who use the service.
Chantel Broten, President of Jan Kelley Marketing and this year’s Burlington Cabinet Co-Chair remains optimistic about the next year. “Given the current economic landscape, we knew this would be tough.
Every fundraiser knows the last 5% is always the hardest, but if we rally together, we can ensure that crucial supports remain strong in our community. We have already had a number of enthusiastic supporters step up to the plate and we are hopeful that we will see more donors offering help to the people of Burlington and Hamilton.” Broten is encouraging everyone this holiday season to give the gift of community by investing in their local United Way. “Every dollar stays local and every dollar counts”.
A United Way fund raising event. Burlington and Hamilton joined together to raise the funds needed to help the 164,000 people that use the service.
“Thanks to the generosity and commitment of hundreds of individuals and organizations, we are projecting to reach 95% of our goal.” said Paul Johnson, Director of Corporate Initiatives at the City of Hamilton and this year’s United Way Cabinet Co-Chair. “Ninety-five percent might be good enough in high school algebra, but it’s not good enough for United Way Burlington & Greater Hamilton.” said Johnson
United Way Cabinet, Board Members and staff met last week to discuss the status of their goal; to change the lives of 164,000 people in our community. The goal is based on the existing and growing needs in both Burlington and Hamilton and represents the approximate number of people helped by United Way last year.
“We have rolled up our sleeves and we are working harder than ever to help maintain the network of social service supports for people in our community. The way we are going to do that is by raising a necessary $6.8 Million” said Johnson. Last year, United Way was able to provide support to thousands of children, seniors, families, and youth-at-risk. Thanks to donors, 53,686 people accessed community mental health services, 35,762 students participated in after-school programs and over 14,900 people obtained increased food security, to name a few.
United Way first announced the goal of 164,000 lives changed at the annual kick-off in September. At that time, the goal was known to be ambitious but striving for less was not an option. The 5% still needed to reach the goal of 164,000 would impact some 9500 people.
Jeff Valentin leads the United Way operation that is in Hamilton.
The annual campaign for United Way brings together over 680 corporate partners and thousands of individuals who work tirelessly to raise funds to help better the lives of their neighbours. United Way CEO Jeff Vallentin is excited to see the energy in everyone involved in the fundraising efforts.
“The determination and enthusiasm of every volunteer and staff person working hard on this campaign is inspirational. I marvel at the efforts being put forth from our donors and I’m confident that our generous community will respond to our appeal.”
Outside of government, United Way is the largest funder of social service programs and initiatives.
