United Way Halton & Hamilton (UWHH) has launched their 2023-2024 fundraising campaign.
They kicked things off in a big way: pulling a plane! The annual Plane Pull event brought in $171,000+ on Saturday, September 16th at the Hamilton Airport. The amount will go towards the newly announced $12.5 million goal, which will support the network of critical social services across the community.
UWHH calls this year’s goal “an ambitious challenge to help transform the lives of the community.” Last year, 143,562 families and individuals received support from United Way Halton & Hamilton. Energized by the strides made over the last year, the mission for this year’s campaign is to enrich the lives of an even larger number of individuals and families in Burlington, Halton Hills, Hamilton, Milton, and Oakville.
With a growing network of 106 community programs, United Way Halton & Hamilton aim to magnify their impact and bring about a profound transformation in the lives of the expanding community.
In Milton, United Way Halton & Hamilton funds 44 programs that serve more than 15,753 people.
“We’re coming out of the gate strong this year, and having witnessed the remarkable influence of a community united in supporting its most vulnerable, we’re deeply inspired,” says Brad Park, President and CEO of United Way Halton & Hamilton. “This ignites our commitment to enhancing program capacity, ensuring every individual in need can access essential resources without delay. We have encountered an array of challenges over the past few years, which have reshaped our lives in unexpected ways. Yet, amidst these trials, we’ve seen the incredible resilience that our community has when we stand shoulder-to-shoulder. As we approach the threshold of a pivotal year for Milton, we’re committed to leading the way for positive change and resources to build a better future.”
This year, United Way Halton & Hamilton is excited to introduce the Local Love Community Match. With every $4 donation, an additional $1 is added to the gift by a group of generous community members and local corporations. Thanks to this match, any gift to United Way holds even more power. This isn’t just giving, it’s multiplying impact – addressing local challenges, supporting families, and empowering individuals in Halton & Hamilton.
“Long-time Philanthropic Circle supporters approached United Way Halton & Hamilton this spring to build a Community Match for our 2023 Annual Campaign,” adds Park. “Thanks to their generous investment, along with other supportive local philanthropic United Way Halton & Hamilton individuals and organizations, this will be a milestone campaign, where every contribution amplifies positive change that will foster a better life for everyone, locally. This match has been built by the community, for the community. With this support, I’m confident we’ll achieve our fundraising goal of $12.5 million.”
“Our community has rallied in remarkable ways during the past few years and we will continue driving that momentum forward,” says campaign chair Matt Wickham. “Our collective work, in ensuring people have access to the help they deserve, is critical to building a thriving community. This year’s Local Love Community Match provides an incredible way to amplify the impact of your contribution to United Way Halton & Hamilton. Whether you’ve been a long-time supporter or are considering your first gift, now is the time to help create lasting change.”
A flag raising will be held at Milton’s Town Hall on Tuesday, September 17th. It will mark the start of the fundraising campaign here in Milton, with other flag raisings likely being held all across Halton and Hamilton as well.
Learn more about fundraising and donating to UWHH here.
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