United Way Halton and Hamilton has launched its 2020-21 fundraising campaign.
The goal is to raise $10 million nationwide.
The Town of Milton helped in the launch by holding a flag raising.
Milton Mayor Gordon Krantz says United Way will always be special to him.
Krantz adds that United Way is like an acorn that was planted years ago that has now grown into a big oak tree. While that big tree gets lots of attention and admiration, it still needs water to grow. The water in the analogy would be donations coming from Milton and Halton residents.
United Way Halton and Hamilton President and CEO Brad Park says COVID has put a difficult spin on things.
Park also feels that the unknown caused by COVID-19 has been a big issue. ‘Will they be laid off’ or ‘will they need to find a paycheque elsewhere’? This is the kind of stuff that United Way is hoping to put an end to by raising money for other local charities.
Also on hand was Milton MP Adam van Koeverden. He talks about the role United Way plays from a local perspective.
Regional Councillor for Ward 3 Mike Cluett is also a United Way Campaign Cabinet Member. He talks about how the money raised in Milton will stay in Milton.
Councillor Cluett adds that people in the past have held events like barbeques and block parties to raise funds. COVID-19 has put a hamper on those ideas, so he wants to see people get creative during the pandemic.
The campaign will technically run until December 31st, 2020. Park says they will keep the fundraiser open until March to allow for trickle-in donations.
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