One in four Toronto children under the age of 18 live in poverty. Two out of three families in low-income neighbourhoods in this city are unable to get the food they need. Those are just two of the statistics the United Way Toronto is hoping to change through donations like those collected through York University.
For the second consecutive year, York will participate in the uw@work online pledge program that offers York staff and faculty a safe and secure method of making their annual United Way contribution online. A personalized e-mail will go out today to all University employees who have a York e-mail address inviting them to make a donation.
Donations can be made either by payroll deduction, credit card or cheque. The uw@work online pledge program also allows donors to direct their funding to program areas, another United Way and/or another charitable organization.
“Making an online donation through the uw@work program is a great option. It is a program used in a growing number of workplace campaigns, including other postsecondary institutions,” says Yvette Munro, employee campaign chair. “It reduces paper, is incredibly easy to use and the donation is immediately added to the over all York total.”
York University’s campaign goal this year is to raise $200,000 toward the over all United Way of Greater Toronto target of $113 million.
For those who prefer a paper pledge, they can still do so by calling 416-736-2100 ext. 44206.
A small donation goes a long way
- $50 per pay ($600 per year) provides 24 newcomers with a month of transportation to keep appointments, find housing, access training and go to school, helping them settle and start new lives in Canada.
- $84 per pay ($1008 per year) provides two youth with access to an after-school program for the school year, giving them a safe place to learn and grow outside the classroom.
- $10 per pay ($120) provides 15 weeks of beginner swimming lessons to a child whose family cannot afford to pay for lessons.
What is the impact of donations on the city?
The lives of hundreds of thousands of people are impacted every year through donations to the United Way Toronto.
- About 295,000 youth were able to participate in educational and recreational school programs, mentoring programs, counselling sessions and violence prevention and leadership programs.
- Some 442,299 Meals on Wheels were delivered to seniors, people with disabilities and others with health care needs, helping them to maintain their independence.
- About 75,623 nights of shelter and 210,499 hours of counselling were provided to women/partners who had been abused, helping them to begin new lives.
- More than 330,000 nights of shelter to homeless people were provided and 610 homeless individuals were helped to find employment and make the transition to independent living.
About the United Way
The United Way Toronto is a registered charity dedicated to improving lives and strengthening neighbourhoods across the city. The United Way’s vision is for a city where all neighbourhoods are healthy, vibrant places to work, live and raise a family. By mobilizing the finances and volunteer resources of the community, United Way identifies needs and takes action to create a better future for Toronto through its research, partnerships and support of a network of more than 200 health and social service agencies.