GUELPH – United Way is calling on the community for help as the organization issues a red alert due to high community needs.
“Through United Way’s recent call for funding to organizations in Guelph, Wellington and Dufferin, community partners have asked for over $4.3 million to support services like emergency food programs and pantries, mentoring programs for children and essential mental health services,” said Glenna Banda, executive director, United Way Guelph Wellington Dufferin.
“So many are looking to United Way for support this year to ensure they can meet the increasing and deepening needs and while our community has been generous, there is a large gap between the demand and the level at which we can respond.
“This means some community issues will still be issues tomorrow and someone you know may not get the help they need when they need it.”
In early September, United Way Guelph Wellington Dufferin kicked off its 81st fundraising campaign for the community.
Organizers emphasized the need for the community to come together and support a radical recovery, as United Way worked to rebuild and take advantage of the opportunity to change the community for the better.
However, currently, the organization estimates only being about to fund about 50% of the requests for funding, including those that came through the new Wellington County funding stream, which looks to support organizations and services right in Wellington County.
“Our communities’ social safety net is more important than ever. We need supports in place now – not years from now,” said Patricia Tersigni, 2021 United Way Campaign chair. “It’s not enough to just go back to ‘normal’ – because normal wasn’t good for many people. We need a radical recovery.”
Food insecurity, declining mental health and isolation were all issues our community faced a year and half ago – the pandemic only exacerbated them and increased the urgency and impact on the community.
“If we want our communities to rebuild in a way that sees everyone thrive, we must come together and take action now,” said Tersigni. “So, let’s get #RadInRed, Wellington County!”
United Way invites the community to join them in supporting a radical recovery by showing your #RadInRed.
Starting Nov. 30, on Giving Tuesday, through to Dec. 17, make a donation to the United Way campaign and ask others to join by wearing red – a red shirt, red scarf, red shoes or even red lipstick – and posting a selfie on social media using the #RadInRed hashtag.
“Each and every one of us has a role to play in our communities’ recovery and through the #RadInRed campaign, we hope by bringing attention to the very necessary radical recovery we can share our passion for community and create positive change, together,” said Banda.
United Way is focused on building emotional wellbeing and resiliency for children and youth, helping individuals and families stabilize with support for food and housing, and ensuring people are connected to supports.
They’re looking to new ways of working with community partners to build on what they’ve learned over the pandemic.
Donations can be made by calling 519-821-0571 or by visiting unitedwayguelph.com and at workplaces across Guelph and Wellington and Dufferin counties. Donations will stay 100% local.
