With a 2023 campaign total of $5.289 million announced at its annual campaign celebration breakfast on Thursday at Holiday Inn and Suites in St. Catharines, United Way Niagara set a fundraising record for the second straight year.
Speaking from the stage just before revealing that total, campaign chair Brad Steeves, president of Beatties, said “the success of this campaign is a testament to what we can achieve when we come together with a shared purpose.” Steeves then went on to thank the donors, volunteers, campaign cabinet members and everyone who contributed to the record fuindraising effort.
In 2022, United Way Niagara set a goal to raise $5 million and surpassed that by $270,000. This year’s goal was set at $5.2 million.
“We’re grateful that year over year our dedicated supporters still answer our call,” said United Way Niagara CEO Frances Hallworth. “People all across our region are feeling the strain on their budget with rising prices for utilities, groceries and other essentials. Imagine the pressure those already living at or below the poverty line before are feeling now.”
The funds raised will continue to help the region-wide agency in supporting 151 different programs through various funded partners. In 2023, more than 732,000 nutritious meals provided through meal programs and emergency food supports through United Way funding.
United Way funds also support local agencies working to solve homelessness and mental health issues. The Niagara chapter of Autism Ontario, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Victim Services Niagara and Gillian’s Place have all benefited from the region-wide organization.
In Niagara-on-the-Lake, the Carribean Workers Outreach Project and the Niagara Region Native Centre were recipients of Special Projects and Emerging Issues Grants through the organizations. As well, Quest Community Health Centre, which has proviced health care to seasonal workers via the Community Hub, is one of the agencies funded by United Way Niagara.
“United Way will ensure the funds so generously donated will be directed where they’re needed most to respond to the growing need for support throughout Niagara,” added Hallworth.
As part of the proceedings, awards were distributed to various businesses and organizations. Meridian Credit Union, whose backing of the 2023 Period Promise campaign led to a 311% increase in funds raised, was named the winner of the Community Partnership Award.
Ebridge Gas Inc.’s 2023 golf tournament was recognized as the Event of the Year, while the efforts of Canadian Niagara Power earned that company the Campaign of the Year Award.
The Town of Fort Erie won last year’s Municipal Challenge, based on the total funds divided by the total number of employees. The Anita Robertson Legacy Award, named in honour of the late Niagara-on-the-Lake resident and philanthropist, went to Shelley Marchand, a member of the United Way’s campaign cabinet and their Women United committee.
Algoma Central Corporation, who raised more than $120,000 in 2023, was named the Corporation of the Year, while the LCBO won the Unsung Hero Award.
Finally, principal Robyn Scheubel accepted the Community Builder Award on behalf of the students and staff at Edith Cavell Public School, who, with the help of Niagara Region Public Health. have created the Fresh West Market to promote healthy, affordable food for the school’s families.
Though the 2023 campaign was undoubtedly a major success, Hallworth told The Local that the need continues to multiply.
In a post about the breakfast on United Way Niagara website, Hallworth says “troubling increases in the need for support continues. The demand for food programs, mental health support and addiction supports among others are staggering. Requests for United Way funding from local agencies still strongly outweigh the amount available to grant.”
United Way Niagara will announce its fundraising goal for 2024 in early September.
