GUELPH POLITICAST #435 – This is the United Way (feat. Glenna Banda)

If it’s September, that means it’s time to start the United Way’s annual fundraising campaign. A linchpin when it comes to support for all kinds of area non-profits and charities, it’s worth noting that this year’s campaign comes at a time of great need. Today, we’re going to learn from the head of the United Way about how they’re coping and how they’re still trying to answer the call.

Earlier this year, the United Way gave out $1.5 million to 51 programs. Now, $1.5 million split 51 different ways may not sound like a lot of money, but in the case of the Sanguen Health Van, which was initially funded by the federal government but only for the first few years of existence, the United Way's assistance allowed it to continue to operate and offer living saving services.

A few extra thousand dollars can go a long way, which is why it’s an important and underreported fact that after the various levels of government, the United Way is the biggest source of funding for charities and non-profits. The United Way has also taken a lead role in helping to raise funds for the new supportive housing projects in Guelph, securing $3.5 million for the cause in what has to be a record amount of time. So what's next?

Glenna Banda, executive director of United Way Guelph Wellington Dufferin, joins us today to discuss what the United Way does and how it does it, why the organization’s influence in the community goes beyond fundraising, and the pressures for funding right now. Also, she will talk about the lessons learned from the Home for Good campaign, what happens if they can’t reach their funding goals, and how the charitable sector has changed in the last 10 years for the better and for the worse. 

So let's talk about fundraising on this week's edition of the Guelph Politicast!

To learn more about the United Way, or to find out about how you can donate or arrange a campaign in your own workplace, you can visit their website, call them at 519-821-0571, or visit them at their office at 85 Westmount Road. You can also follow them on social media "@untiedwaygwd" on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Linkedin.

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