It’s that time of year again when the York University community comes together to support the United Way Greater Toronto, an organization that partners with 280 local agencies working to help vulnerable members of the community facing crisis with shelter, housing, literacy, food, social isolation, legal and health services.
York University has partnerships with many United Way-funded agencies, where some of York’s students have completed internships, placements and been hired to work. These agencies include:
- Abrigo Centre
- Child Development Institute
- CNIB Foundation
- COSTI
- Delta Family Resource Centre
- Fred Victor
- Hospice Toronto
- Jane Finch Community and Family Centre
- MIAG
- Newcomer Centre of Peel
- OCASI
- Rexdale Women’s Centre
- UNISON
- Wellfort
This is a challenging time and many people in the community are struggling. The Greater Toronto Area is the poverty capital of Canada and many families and individuals have been pushed further into crisis by the pandemic. The social services sector is stretching beyond its limits to serve the community, but help is needed to keep individuals and neighbourhoods connected and supported – now and through the years to come.
York University is committed to creating positive change for its students, communities and the world, and this campaign highlights what York stands for. This year’s campaign runs from Oct. 26 to Nov. 30, with a goal to raise $150,000. Each York University staff and faculty member will receive an email with their own personalized electronic pledge form on Oct. 26. Email reminders will continue to be sent to staff and faculty over the course of the pledge drive.
Questions and inquiries can be directed to yucares@yorku.ca.
For more information and to see stories of people who faced barriers and overcame them, visit yorku.ca/alumniandfriends/united-way.