Dear Friend,
I know that news of political and economic uncertainty — and the growing food, housing and job insecurity we’re seeing here at home — can sometimes feel overwhelming.
When challenges are this big and complex, it can be difficult to know how to make a difference.
But when you support United Way, you’re not acting alone. You’re joining thousands of people across the GTA who refuse to look away from poverty and choose to Get in the Way instead.
And that spirit of coming together has been at the heart of United Way Greater Toronto for 70 years. In 1956, business, labour and community leaders joined forces to create a single, powerful charitable fund supporting social health and welfare agencies.
Since then, United Way has brought residents, businesses, community organizations, governments and champions like you together to strengthen our social safety net, tackle the challenges holding our neighbours back and create change that none of us could achieve alone.
The challenges may change, but how we respond remains the same: we show up, take action and Get in the Way.
Get in the Way of poverty. Get in the Way of barriers. Get in the Way of what keeps people from moving forward.
When we stand together, poverty stands no chance.
With sincere appreciation for your support,
Alka Graham
Director, Marketing, Donor Experience & Events
United Way Greater Toronto
Your support in action
Helping neighbours find connection close to home
Emily first came to the United Way-supported Dorset Park Community Hub 10 years ago to take her child to the EarlyON centre there. Since then, the Hub has become part of her routine. She’s taken yoga and cake decorating classes, accessed legal assistance and homework help, and volunteers at their food bank. That’s the power of Community Hubs: by bringing a variety of connected services together under one roof, they make it easier for residents to find support, build relationships and give back. Step inside this busy Scarborough Hub and see community in action.
Getting more voices into local democracy
Low municipal voter turnout means too many people aren’t having a say in decisions that shape their communities. Voice the Vote is working to change that by equipping community organizations and leaders with the tools to engage residents in local democracy. United Way co-founded the campaign with the Democratic Engagement Exchange at Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU). Our Senior Manager of Public Affairs Abby Tait and Marium Nur Vahed of the Democratic Engagement Exchange at TMU joined CBC’s Here and Now Toronto to talk about why people aren’t voting and how our initiative can turn that around. Listen to the conversation.
Hear where Toronto’s mayoral candidates stand
Toronto’s next mayor will face major challenges, from housing and affordability to transit and public safety. On Oct. 6, residents will have a chance to hear directly from the city’s mayoral candidates about their plans to address these issues at a debate hosted by United Way, the Toronto Star and TMU. Community leaders, youth and people with lived experience will be in attendance. At a critical moment for the city, we’re proud to bring residents and candidates together to talk about the Toronto we want to build. Learn more about the debate.
IN COMMUNITY, WITH COMMUNITY
United Way ClimbUP is back! Step up for a stronger community by climbing all 1,776 steps of the iconic CN Tower this Nov. 14 or 15. Ready for the challenge? Register today!
Municipal elections are an opportunity to help shape the communities we care about. As we gear up for election day on Oct. 26, explore what residents want addressed and how communities can make their voices heard at Diving Deeper: Municipal Elections, a free online panel on Sept. 23. Register today!
Building community takes community.
Change takes all of us. With your support, we can Get in the Way of the barriers that hold people back and help build a GTA where everyone can thrive.
Learn more about our work or donate at www.unitedwaygt.org.