BURLINGTON, ON – Every day, people across the community struggle to build better lives for themselves and their families. These challenges are fueled by serious social and economic barriers including poverty, youth unemployment, mental illness, isolation and community decline, among others, making it remarkably difficult to get ahead.

United Way Halton & Hamilton marks its commitment to helping people and families build better lives—both today and tomorrow with bold $11 million fundraising goal.

Donations will be invested into local programs that move people from poverty to possibility, helping kids be all they can be, and building strong and healthy communities. Social and economic challenges like poverty, youth unemployment and isolation are issues that affect all of us. They widen gaps between those who are doing well financially and those who are not, and threaten the strong social fabric that is vital to healthy, connected communities.

The goal, revealed September 15, 2018, will feature generous supporters of UWHH coming together yet again to help over 212,000 residents receive the critical assistance they need to live prosperous lives.

“I believe in this community and know what it is capable of achieving,” said Brad Park, president and CEO of UWHH. “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.”

This year’s campaign goal was revealed during the third annual UPS Plane Pull for United Way.

When you support United Way, you’re helping to build a strong social safety net for all residents. This means that people have access to all the supports they need the most, when and where they need them.

Last year, UWHH supporters raised over $10 million. Every dollar went to funding programs at local agencies in Burlington, Halton Hills, Hamilton, Milton and Oakville.

“Every dollar raised in the community goes back into that community,” said Oakville’s Sean O’Brien, 2018-19 Campaign Chair and president and CEO of Reliance Home Comfort. “This enables United Way agencies to help more than 212,000 people annually. Together, we are improving lives locally.”

Last year, UWHH supported 153 programs at 82 agencies in the Halton and Hamilton communities. United Way Halton & Hamilton stands by three areas of focus: enabling kids to be all they can be, transitioning residents and families from poverty to possibility, and building healthy people, strong communities.

Every single supporter of United Way plays a key role in the success of the campaign, and the overall health of each community UWHH serves.