York Cares United Way Campaign kicks off
Every year, the York University community comes together to support United Way Greater Toronto, partnering with 300 local agencies to combat poverty and meet the urgent needs of our neighbors, providing essential services like food, shelter, and mental health support.
Since 1956, United Way has been working with community champions to create long-lasting impact. Each year, over 85,000 donors, 2,200+ volunteers and 900+ workplaces come together to fight poverty and build a stronger GTA for all.
As our region continues to undergo significant development and transformation, people across the GTA are at serious risk of being displaced, excluded or left behind. In the face of rising cost, and with less than 15 per cent of our agencies owning their own space, the vital services and programs these neighbourhoods rely on are in danger of disappearing, despite growing demand.
As our community faces multiple challenges, including skyrocketing housing, food and living costs, too many are struggling to make ends meet. In the GTA, 1 in 4 people are living in poverty. People are being forced to make difficult decisions and are uncertain about the future ahead.
This year’s York Cares United Way Campaign will take place from November 1 to 30, with the goal of raising $150,000 to support our local communities. At York, we are a community of changemakers committed to creating a positive impact for both our students and the communities around us. This campaign is a key example of how we embody our mission to Right the Future. Staff, faculty, and instructors are the driving force behind this workplace initiative, and they can expect to receive weekly emails with their personalized giving link throughout the campaign.
But together, with grit and determination, we will help meet the challenges of today and build a stronger GTA now and for tomorrow. Any way we can.
York University has partnerships with many United Way-funded agencies, where some of York’s students have completed internships, placements and have accepted employment. These agencies include:
- 360°kids
- Abrigo Centre
- Access Alliance Multicultural Health and Community Services
- Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) – Toronto
- Centre for Immigrant and Community Services
- Community Living York South
- COSTI Immigrant Services
- Davenport-Perth Neighbourhood and Community Health Centre
- Dixie Bloor Neighbourhood Centre
- Embrave Agency to End Violence (formerly Interim Place)
- For Youth Initiative
- Indus Community Services
- Jane/Finch Community and Family Centre
- Jewish Family and Child Service
- JVS Toronto
- Planned Parenthood Toronto
- Rexdale Women’s Centre
- Roots Community Services
- Scarborough Centre for Healthy Communities
- Sistering-A Woman’s Place
- Strides Toronto
- The Neighbourhood Group Community Services
- Tropicana Community Services
- West Neighbourhood House
- WoodGreen Community Services
- Working Women Community Centre
- Youthlink
POVERTY DOESN’T REST, NEITHER DO WE
We’re determined to fight local poverty and its interconnected challenges. From meeting urgent needs to driving innovative solutions for lasting change and a better tomorrow. We are united in our efforts to build a strong, more equitable GTA where everyone can thrive.
Say ‘yes’ to ending poverty!
United Way works together with local agencies, residents who know their communities best and donors like you. We design solutions that prioritize the people and places who are being left behind. Building community take community, and together, we will build stronger neighbourhoods for everyone who calls the GTA home — today and for the years to come
For more information on the United Way Greater Toronto visit: https://www.unitedwaygt.org/home.
This is what your local love looks like
Wonder what your donation to United Way looks like? These are the stories of people who faced barriers and overcame them, thanks to donors like you.
After a financial stumbling block put her education on hold, Demica wasn’t sure what to do. She accessed an employment program through a United Way-funded agency that put her on a new career path.
For years, Jenifer volunteered at a United Way-supported women’s employment agency, helping others get ready for new careers. When her family faced their own financial crisis, she turned to that same agency to help her find a job.
Syed struggled to find a full-time job when he first arrived in the GTA. Then a United Way initiative connected him to the training and experience he needed to start a career in the trades.