2009 campaign takes off with a million dollar boost

It was certainly a first for First Canadian Place as hundreds of United Way agency members and community supporters converged upon the grand lobby from every entrance to join the United Way 2009 Campaign kickoff. The mood was joyful, the enthusiasm loud and clear. This was, as Frances Lankin would say moments later, "the beginning of a very special time—a celebration of the spirit and generosity of Toronto as hundreds of workplaces across the city launch United Way campaigns in support of our work in the community."

Meeting urgent needs, day after day

"I am deeply touched by the commitment that each of you brings to the campaign," Frances said in her opening remarks, "by how much you truly care for our city and by how our wonderful member agencies work the front lines, day in and day out, meeting urgent needs and helping those who need it most." Calling the crisis of the past year the worst economic recession since the Great Depression, she described the human story of the downturn. It is a story punctuated by lost jobs, wiped out savings, and maxed out credit cards…a story in which newspaper headlines become real life experiences for friends and neighbours. She acknowledged that this will continue to be a very tough year, that "the recession has hit Ontario hard and Toronto hardest of all."

The demand for services continues to rise

Virtually every member agency has reported an increase in demand for services. More people need employment and financial counselling, more need food and shelter. "Tragically," said Frances, "the effects of an economy in crisis have gone beyond financial problems." She described significant increases in substance abuse, gambling addiction, marital problems and domestic violence. As a result, frontline workers face greater challenges than ever before.

Finding sustainable, long term solutions

While meeting urgent daily needs is crucial, it alone cannot build a better, stronger city with opportunities for everyone to grow and thrive. Only a long term strategy, one that addresses issues before they become problems, that creates vibrant, livable neighbourhoods, can deliver sustainable, long term solutions. And that, too, is integral part of United Way.

BMO commits $1-million to United Way Toronto's Community Hub strategy

Introducing Bill Downe, President of the Bank of Montreal and Chair of the 2009 Campaign Cabinet, Frances applauded his unwavering support, his resolve and tenacity. "You are one of those people who work their hearts out to make the United Way Campaign a success," she said. "We are lucky to have you as this year's Campaign Chair."

Bill began his remarks by describing his passionate belief in the vital work that United Way member agencies perform every day, "This belief makes it easy to do my job, to go out and talk about how we can build a better future for our city, to ask for donations." He spoke about an economy in crisis and a deep recession, about what it means when industries are shaken to the core and thousands of people lose their jobs. He also spoke about the need for people to come together, to step up to the plate and dig deeper.

Then he made a very special announcement: "This year, to support United Way's long-term strategies addressing the root causes of social issues, we are going one step further. BMO is making an additional gift of $1M, over and above the bank's regular contribution, to United Way Toronto's Community Hub strategy. We see the seeds of progress beginning to take root as a result of United Way's work in the community. And we feel compelled to do everything we can to encourage these roots to grow strong, spread wide and flourish."

The cheers and applause were thunderous when Frances and Bill revealed the 2009 Campaign goal: $107.5 million dollars. Everyone in the audience was ready to take up the challenge, to come together and help make it happen. So, when LOFT Music sang the 2009 campaign video song, We're All In This Together, the entire crowd sang along.

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2009 campaign takes off with a million dollar boost was the Cover Story in our quarterly newsletter, Community Matters: Fall 2009