FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 21, 2009
Caring city comes through in tough times
United Way campaign reaches $107.529 million
TORONTO—The people of Toronto really came together in support of the community in 2008 and, despite an unprecedented economic downturn, helped United Way raise $107.529 million to support the people of our city, United Way Toronto President and CEO Frances Lankin said today.
"Without doubt this was our toughest campaign on record," Lankin said. "And we're declaring it a victory."
The 2008 campaign was conducted amid some of the worst economic news in years, but the generosity of Torontonians still propelled United Way to its second-highest achievement in the charity's history.
"Many people dug deeper and worked harder than they ever had before," said Lankin. "They knew if ever there was a time to help one another, this was the year."
Last September — recognizing signs of economic trouble on the horizon, and knowing that many thousands of people and their families would be in need of more help — United Way set out to raise $110-million. Over the past weeks and months, the economic storm turned out to be even deeper and more devastating than anyone predicted.
With two weeks left in the campaign, United Way issued an extraordinary appeal to the people of Toronto: to help narrow the gap in order for front line agencies to continue to meet urgent needs. "As the community turned to United Way, we turned to the people of Toronto," said Lankin. "And people proved once again why Toronto has earned a reputation as a city of people who care. Because people here always come through for each other — especially when times are tough."
The money raised by United Way will provide stable funding to a critical network of 200 health and social service agencies across Toronto — agencies that provide the urgent services people need most in tough economic times, like financial counselling, employment training, food services and shelter.
"We may not have gotten as far as we wanted this year. But the money we raised will go a long way to helping our friends and neighbours, providing stability for front line agencies in uncertain times," Lankin said. "This campaign proved yet again that united, we can accomplish great things."
Established in 1956, United Way Toronto is a charity working to advance the common good and create opportunities for a better life for everyone in our city. Working in partnership with others, we mobilize people and resources to address the root causes of social problems and to change community conditions for the better. United Way supports agencies that provide services to strengthen individuals, families, and communities.
Media contacts:
Caitlin Stidwill
United Way Toronto
416 777 1444 ex 396
cell: 416-557-8505
cstidwill@uwgt.org
