On November 6, more than 100 local workplace volunteers will head out into the community for United Way Halton & Hamilton’s (UWHH) Show Your Local Love Day.
The community-based initiative supports UWHH’s ongoing 2019 fundraising campaign, helping local organizations tackle much-needed projects and #UNIGNORABLE issues.
“With community support, in one extraordinary day, we can help many agencies across Burlington, Halton Hills, Hamilton, Milton and Oakville, address pressing issues that affect countless people living in our communities,” says Brad Park, president and CEO of UWHH. “On November 6, we encourage everyone to show your local love; volunteer or make a donation.”
The community must pull together around #UNIGNORABLE issues, such as mental health, education inequality, hunger, homelessness, domestic violence and social isolation. These local issues affect many people in Oakville. It will take the dedication and commitment of all of us to help solve them.
The public can show their local love by donating to UWHH’s $11.1 million fundraising target.
“I believe in this community and what it is capable of,” says Park. “Our goal is bold, because it has to be. We know there are people and families in desperate need of help. I believe the community will step up and respond.”
Every dollar donated locally is invested into the community in which it was raised, and into programs supporting those who need it most.
In our communities, we know that children and youth who face multiple barriers in their younger years are more apt to face significant social struggles as adults. We know that youth mental illness is on the rise with 1 in 4 facing a mental health issue. We know the best way to break intergenerational poverty is by investing in youth and providing a network of support. We also know 1 in 3 of domestic victims report abuse.
These funds will be invested in programs where communities need it most. Communities cannot be great until they are great for everyone who lives, works and plays within them. The need is clear.
Show Your Local Love Day highlights what is possible when the community works together to create meaningful change. #UNIGNORABLE issues can have positive solutions if people come together to face them – donors, volunteers, businesses and residents alike.
UWHH holds a unique position and rich history of community collaboration. Through an unparalleled and distinct ability to convene, the entire community benefits from driving dialogue together with labour, government, private sector, non-profit and volunteers, to mobilize change on our toughest issues.
UWHH excels in connecting community volunteers with community need. Last year, UWHH coordinated more than 14,000 volunteers, who worked more than 62,000 hours, totalling a payroll value of $1.4 million dollars.
Quick facts:
- 9% of Halton residents battle a mood and/or anxiety disorder in their lifetime (Halton Region Mental Health Report 2018)
- 1 in 10 people in Halton experience hunger and do not have enough money to buy food (Reducing Waste to End Hunger)