GUELPH – Our communities – our friends, families and neighbours – are facing real issues and United Way is asking for the community’s help.
With few days left in this year’s United Way Guelph Wellington Dufferin fundraising campaign, a new video series has launched that explores these issues.
An Act of Local Love examines unignorable issues that the community faced before – food insecurity, homelessness, mental health, domestic violence and isolation – that have been further exacerbated by COVID-19.
Episodes are available at www.unitedwayguelph.com/actoflocallove.
“In a year like no other, our community has stepped up in extraordinary ways to help our families, friends, neighbours – even strangers. But the year isn’t over and neither is our work, because there are still members of our community struggling to find support and meet their basic needs,” said Glenna Banda, executive director at United Way Guelph Wellington Dufferin.
“Local mental health services are reporting waiting lists of upwards of 1,300 people; there have been double the number of opioid-related deaths in 2020 compared to 2019; the number of households experiencing food insecurity are more than the national average.
“These are issues that we could not ignore before COVID-19 and certainly can’t ignore now.”
The United Way campaign kicked-off in September, highlighting the ongoing social issues the community is facing and reminding everyone they have a role to play as we continue to respond and recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Our community has been generous and we are very grateful,” said Jeff DeRuyter, 2020 campaign chair.
“But the reality is that donations to the United Way campaign are down 13% from 2019.
“So many more people are depending on us for support this year and we need everyone’s help to ensure we can meet the increasing needs.”
The decrease in this year’s campaign is due largely to special events that have been cancelled due to COVID-19 restrictions, a challenge faced by many non-profit organizations.
The Ontario Non-Profit Network estimates one in five non-profit organizations across Ontario will close in the next six months.
“The fact is – our community looks a lot different without our social services in it,” Banda said.
“Imagine if there was no distress line to call when you were experiencing a mental health crisis, or a food pantry to visit when you couldn’t feed your family.
“We have a responsibility to ensure that the safety net that United Way funds and our community relies on is there for people when they need support. This is not the year to make cuts to funding.”
Funds raised through the annual campaign will allow United Way to continue to support local organizations at a critical time.
Second only to government, United Way is the largest investor in social services in our communities.
“One thing we know for sure is that we’re stronger together,” DeRuyter said.
“So, let’s lean into our strength as one of Canada’s most caring communities and show our local love like never before.
“Every donation will make a difference, no matter the size. If you can, please give today and help us support our community when they need us most.”
Donations are accepted at workplaces and through the United Way office (519-821-0571 or www.unitedwayguelph.com).
