News
-
Bhayana Family Foundation Awards
Recognizing Employees of United Way Toronto Funded Agencies
Thanks to the incredible generosity of Raksha M. Bhayana, United Way was able to recognize the hard work of over thirty-four staff from twelve of its member agencies at the first annual Bhayana Family Foundation Awards.
These deserving employees were nominated by their peers in one of three categories: innovation and creativity, dedication, or team achievement. The Awards acknowledged that, through their committed service to the community, these men and women make a difference every single day.
Recipients, their nominators and their agency’s Executive Directors were all invited to attend an awards ceremony at United Way Toronto’s offices on November 27, 2008. They mingled over breakfast before participating in a formal awards ceremony where Waseem Syed, United Way’s Vice President of Community Investment, and Raksha Bhayana presented the awards.
Raksha is a member of United Way Toronto’s Board of Trustees, and the chair of the Allocations and Agency Services Committee, a dedicated community volunteer and a champion for the recognition of those who work to make Toronto a better city.
See all the recipients of the 2008 Bhayana Family Foundation Awards.
-
December 13, 2008
Reflecting on positive change at the Action for Neighbourhood Change Annual Session
On Saturday, December 13, residents from across Toronto came together at Metro Hall to share ideas for building better neighbourhoods. Brought together through Action for Neighbourhood Change — a project of United Way Toronto — this group of more than 200 local residents from Toronto’s priority neighbourhoods, has made great strides in bringing positive changes to the places where they live.
This session was an opportunity for neighbourhood leaders to reflect on what they’ve accomplished in their communities over the past year. They presented colourful slideshows, videos and displays that showcased their activities and initiatives in their community. Throughout the day, this energetic group of community builders mingled and networked as they shared successes with one another, discussed challenges and shaped future plans.
The keynote speaker at the event was Garland Yates from the Annie E. Casey Foundation. He highlighted the amazing potential of resident engagement in Toronto’s priority neighbourhoods, and called on residents to continue their community-building work — regardless of challenges or setbacks. Yates noted that U.S. president-elect Barack Obama is an outstanding example of the power of community organizing, and encouraged Toronto’s ANC participants to keep up their inspiring work.
ANC is a key component of United Way’s Neighbourhood Strategy and is currently at work in the 13 priority neighbourhoods identified by United Way Toronto and the City of Toronto.
-
November 24, 2008
UWT honoured with Voluntary Sector Reporting Award
United Way Toronto and Covenant House tied for first place among charities with revenues over $1 million in the first annual Voluntary Sector Reporting Awards (VSRAs), which were announced at a luncheon ceremony in North York on November 24.
The award recognizes best practices for financial reporting by registered charities that produce annual reports in Ontario. Organizations competed in categories based on revenue size with the winner in each category receiving $5,000 and recognition as leaders in the field. The $5,000 will go toward the UWT annual campaign.
The VSRA award highlights the growing importance placed on transparency, accountability and reporting in the not-for-profit sector. These allow donors to make informed decisions about where they give, help keep staff and volunteers motivated, and build confidence among the public.
United Way Toronto is very proud to have received this award in its inaugural year as it reflects United Way’s efforts to implement best practices regarding transparent and accountable reporting in our sector. Our efforts are a reflection of the work of United Way Canada and that of United Ways across the country, leading the sector on how we report to our communities.
-
November 13, 2008
United Way Toronto releases new report: Leadership Solutions
Leadership Solutions investigates and reports on the latest cutting edge thinking about nonprofit leadership and how best to develop and support it.
UWT is seeking to refine its support of the nonprofit and voluntary sector by engaging in partnerships with its peer sector champions to achieve more effective capacity building sectorally and organizationally through leadership development. In support of this goal, UWT commissioned a feasibility study to better understand the issues surrounding leadership and leadership development, especially pertaining to community-inspired and -focused programming. Leadership Solutions reports on the findings of this work.
Structured in two phases, Leadership Solutions presents research, analysis and key factors related to integrated, sustainable and systemic responses to building nonprofit sector leadership. Ultimately, the report assesses and recommends promising, appropriate practices and responses to strategically strengthen leadership of Toronto’s nonprofit sector, with a view to programming that is scalable and replicable in other communities across Canada. It also presents the most progressive and up to date ways of evaluating programs to ensure they deliver what is intended.
Read the report: Leadership Solutions.
-
November 5, 2008
Don a mask and go dance for a good cause
The Rouge Masquerade Ball is the hottest ticket of the season. Sarah Segal, long time volunteer with United Way Toronto's GenNext, has found volunteering rewarding on many levels. She explains that just buying one, two or four tickets can make a big difference in people's lives.
Read more details in the Toronto Star article.
-
CITY Leaders Graduate
The new generation of non-profit leaders—First Graduates of CITY Leaders
The Creative Institute for Toronto’s Young (CITY) Leaders’ first class of 26 participants graduated in October 2008 with a certificate in leadership. Aimed at building the leadership capacity of 18 to 33 year olds working in Toronto’s social services sector, CITY Leaders is an institute that gives young people the tools they need to achieve their full potential.
The program was developed through extensive best practices research and in consultation with young adults and includes many components like educational sessions, online forums, peer-learning, mentoring and project-based experiential learning.
There are almost 20 learning partners involved in CITY Leaders, including the University of Toronto, the Toronto City Summit Alliance and the Laidlaw Foundation. United Way funding will provide 100 young people the opportunity to complete their certificates, with the Youth Challenge Fund supporting another 100 youth from priority neighbourhoods.
Many graduates enjoyed their experience so much that they remain actively involved with the institute. All graduates take with them valuable skills, networks and friendships that will endure throughout their career and beyond.
-
October 27, 2008
A little sweat & a lot of heart take Toronto to new heights
Thousands stepped up to the challenge at the 31st annual Enbridge CN Tower Climb for United Way
Over 13,000 people from across Toronto put their best feet forward at the 2008 Enbridge CN tower Climb for United Way. Students and CEOs, seniors and children and everyone in between tested themselves one step at a time as they scaled the tallest freestanding structure in the world – all to support United Way Toronto’s annual campaign.
First held in 1977, the CN Tower Climb has become Toronto’s best reason to work up a sweat for a good cause. All money raised will support United Way’s campaign to build a safer, more vibrant and inclusive city for everyone.
The event took place over three days. Thursday’s Student Climb and Online Corporate Team Challenge attracted over 5,000 climbers. Saturday’s Public Climb included Harry Rosen & Phillip Crawley’s Presidential Challenge involving more than 20 of Toronto’s top CEOs. The Corporate Team Challenge on Sunday morning drew close to 5,700 people.
See photos from the event.
-
October 17, 2008
Together we will make it.
United Way and the City of Toronto teamed up to launch the 2008 United Way Campaign and the City of Toronto Annual Workplace Campaign. Over 2,000 people gathered in Nathan Phillips Square: City employees, volunteers and professionals from United Way agencies, employees from other workplace campaigns, and lots and lots of Torontonians who just wanted to lend their support and enjoy the festivities.
» read about the 2008 campaign launch and goal.
-
September 17, 2008
A taste of community living at its best
On September 10, twenty GenNexters took part in the Wednesday Night Supper Club at Community Living Toronto, a 60-year-old United Way member agency that is a recognized leader in offering a full range of personalized supports and services to people with an intellectual disability and their families.
» read more about GenNext and Community Living Toronto.
-
Robert Harding issues a challenge to city leaders
Robert Harding, Chairman of Brookfield Asset Management Inc., has long been recognized for his philanthropy and community involvement. Leading by example, Robert has generously given his time and talent over the years since beginning his volunteer work with United Way more than 10 years ago. He continues to demonstrate his passion for giving back as United Way Toronto’s current Board Chair. Thanks to his vision, your Leadership gift will go even further. This year, when you donate to the United Way family†, the Robert Harding Leadership Challenge Grant will provide up to $1 million in matching funds to United Way. Here’s how the Grant will match your generosity:
New Leadership Donors
If you are making a first-time donation of $1,000 or more to the United Way family, the Robert Harding Leadership Challenge Grant will match your gift, dollar for dollar.
Renewing Leadership Donors
If you are increasing your gift by 10% or more from last year, the Leadership Challenge Grant will double the increase in your donation.
For more information about The Robert Harding Leadership Challenge Grant, please contact Penny Hiddema at United Way: 416 777 1444 ex 348.
† The matching fund applies to gifts within the United Way family. This includes United Way Toronto, our service areas and member agencies, as well as all other United Ways across Canada.
-
Business leaders step up to a towering challenge
Harry Rosen and the Globe and Mail’s Phillip Crawley have issued a challenge to business leaders across the city: raise $2,500 or more for the Community Fund and race up the 1,776 steps to the top of the CN Tower. The Presidential Challenge is a test of conditioning and commitment that already has dozens of the city’s top executives booking regular training sessions and lacing up their trainers, including Rosen and Crawley themselves.
But this race is more than a fitness test. Though Toronto’s business leaders will be racing for the best time, the competitive aspect of this race is all about raising the most money for United Way’s Community Fund. Pledges will support services that improve people’s lives as well as the communities in which they live.
Without a doubt, the Enbridge CN Tower Climb for United Way’s Presidential Challenge is an opportunity for the city’s leaders to get fit, have fun and support United Way in its efforts to build a better community for us all.
-
September 15, 2008
United Way goal asks more of 'Giving City' in soft economy
Getting at the underlying causes of urban challenges - poverty among them - is as important as raising money. In recent years United Way Toronto has been "on a journey of transformation" to expand its mission, Lankin said.
Today, UWT is actively promoting social change by bringing together business, governments, labour, volunteers and foundations to work toward a stronger and healthier community, she said.
» read Frances Lankin's Toronto Star interview with Leslie Ferenc.
-
July 15, 2008
One City. One Heart. One Way.
Making a difference every single day
The 2007 United Way Campaign raised an historic $108.1 million for our community. Torontonians worked tirelessly, gave generously, and demonstrated their profound commitment to the notion that when we come together as one, everything is possible.
The priorities of neighbourhoods, newcomers and youth continue to guide our efforts. Learn more about United Way's investment in our community and read about our newest member agency, Access Alliance.
-
June 13, 2008
United Way events raise awareness and funds for Toronto communities
Almost 1,300 runners scurried from the heart of the financial district to Bloor Street and back to take part in United Way’s most recent event—the 5km Scotiabank Rat Race for United Way held on June 12, 2008. Currently in its eighth year, the race and its rat-nosed participants raised more than $300,000 for Toronto’s communities.
On June 8, 2008, the United Way Blossom Ball celebrated Toronto’s Chinese community and its contributions to United Way. CTV anchor Pauline Chan hosted the gala event that dazzled more than 500 guests with world-class entertainment and fabulous silent auction items. More than $260,000 was raised. The Blossom Ball has raised more than $2.5 million since 1999. Both events raised donations for United Way Toronto’s Community Fund, which supports a network of more than 200 agencies that strengthen communities and improve lives across our city.
-
June 3, 2008
Frances Lankin named 2008 "Woman of the Year"
Frances Lankin, United Way Toronto President and CEO, was named the 2008 “Woman of the Year” in Toronto by the Consumers’ Choice Awards on June 2, 2008. The Consumers’ Choice Awards recognize the top businesses and individuals, who have been voted by consumers as exemplifying excellence. The awards are based on an objective survey conducted by Léger Marketing, which asks the general public to identify individuals and companies that have distinguished themselves most in the last year. “This award underscores the impact United Way Toronto is having across our city,” says Frances Lankin. “We work very hard to make a difference in the community every day and to create opportunities for a better life for all. As a snapshot of public perception, the Consumers’ Choice Award is a good indication that people in Toronto understand and acknowledge the work of United Way in their community.”
The Consumers’ Choice Award is the fourth honour awarded to Frances in the past few months. On May, 26, 2008, Frances was presented with The Eve Award, which honours significant achievements by women in political life and efforts to promote women in politics in Canada. Lankin, a former Member of Provincial Parliament, joins previous award recipients that include MP Carolyn Bennett, former MP and federal cabinet minister Flora MacDonald and Mississauga Mayor Hazel McCallion.
-
May, 2008
The Tomorrow Fund™ surpasses $50 million mark
United Way Toronto’s endowment, The Tomorrow FundTM, has grown to $51,404,552 thanks to the outstanding generosity and compassion of United Way donors. Over the last year, three families established new Family Funds, increasing the total number of funds to 54.
The Fund gives Torontonians a unique opportunity to make a direct impact on children’s lives and the future of our city by providing stable funding to early learning and parenting programs.
In 2007, the Fund provided $1.5 million to 17 early learning and parenting programs, serving 6,911 children and 9,097 parents/caregivers, many in priority, inner suburban neighbourhoods. This investment will lay the foundation of success for our young by helping to improve family nutrition, develop parents’ childcare skills and connect isolated families to critical support systems.
The Fund also allocated $687,897 to programs that help other vulnerable Torontonians that need our support: seniors, homeless people, children from low-income families and more.
-
May 14, 2008
United Way Toronto launches interactive Google map of UWT Member Agencies
Trying to find a United Way member agency in a specific geographic location is now quite simple, thanks to the creation of a Google map. Each agency is now represented by a red marker on a map of Toronto. Users can move around the map using the standard Google Maps interface, such as zooming and panning. To find details on a particular agency, simply click on one of the markers and an info bubble opens with the agency name, address, phone number, and web address. You can also get directions to or from the agency to any other location with a few simple clicks.
The map has additional interactivity when viewed within the Google interface. The left hand column lists all of the member agencies in alphabetical order. By clicking on the agency name, an info bubble opens on the map at the agency's location.
Users logged in with a Google ID can further customize the functionality of the United Way Toronto Agency Map by adding it to their "My Maps" tab. This allows for layering of different maps, such as United Way Toronto's 13 Priority Neighbourhoods.
The mapping project was initated by Nicole P in United Way Toronto's Community Investment department, in an attempt to better represent the many agencies across Toronto that she works with daily, making it easier for others to find them. Nicole was awarded the M-B Family Spirit Award for Innovation & Creativity in May in recognition of her contribution.
- May 1, 2008
Volunteer Coodinator, Karl Nielsen, recognized the outstanding contributions of United Way Volunteer, Julie Sanderson.
Without Volunteers, there would be no way
United Way Toronto celebrated National Volunteer Week today by recognizing the efforts of its numerous office volunteers during a reception at the United Way office.
National Volunteer Week, April 27 to May 3, 2008, pays special tribute to Canadian volunteers who give of themselves to better their communities and the lives of others. It also raises awareness of the vital contribution volunteers make to our communities and our country.
