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$110.3 Million Raised To Support Local Communities In Peel, Toronto And York Region

Over 400,000 people join United Way to create long term change across the region

Thursday, February 7, 2019 – United Way Greater Toronto supporters have raised $110.3 million for communities in Peel, Toronto and York Region in the largest 2018 United Way campaign in the world. Funds raised support a network of agencies in every corner of the GTA that give everyone the supports they need, close to home. Outside of government, United Way is the biggest funder of community services, providing opportunities for young people to get ahead, supporting under-served neighbourhoods, and collaborating across sectors to create long-term change.

The 2018 campaign represented the first for the recently-merged United Way Greater Toronto, engaging over 400,000 people across the region, from Port Credit to Parkdale to Pefferlaw, Markham to Malvern to Mississauga. 

Supporters raised funds in their own unique ways, and stepped up by joining United Way’s signature annual fundraising opportunities, the UP CN Tower Climb and the Scotiabank Rat Race. Beyond raising money, supporters raised awareness about unignorable local issues by volunteering with agencies, taking neighbourhood tours, and hearing directly from those whose lives have changed through United Way support. The Campaign also made historic strides in securing new multi-year corporate commitments, the largest in United Way Greater Toronto history, focused on inclusion, neighbourhood economic development and supporting youth in the critical early years.

“It has been my honour to serve as Chair of the most ambitious fundraising campaign in United Way Greater Toronto history. I want to extend my sincere thanks to everyone who played a role in making the campaign a success,” said 2018 Campaign Chair Brian Porter, Scotiabank President and CEO. “While I’m very proud that we exceeded our fundraising goal, the real measure of our success are the lives and communities that will be transformed for the better.” 

“Thank you, GTA, for taking action in 2018, and helping to mobilize people around unignorable issues in our region—like the lack of opportunities for youth and the lack of accessible supports close to home,” added Daniele Zanotti, President and CEO of United Way Greater Toronto. “We’ve made huge strides for people in our communities, because our generous donors and caring volunteers, dedicated agencies and committed corporate and labour partners showed their local love.”

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