The simultaneous launch of the United Way 2008 Campaign and The City of Toronto Annual Workplace Campaign was an amazing event. How perfect that we should join forces with the Mayor and his team, with the folks who work for our city, as we reach out to the entire community. One city. One heart. One Way. That’s truly what it’s all about.
This past spring we launched a new Days of Caring pilot project, which took a different and more focused approach. This initiative was informed by the United Way Community Impact Strategy, which identifies new partnerships as the only way to tackle the complex problems of our neighbourhoods. It takes the whole community working together to change social conditions. By working together, by mobilizing people and resources, we can address the root causes of our city's shared challenges. We can lift whole communities and create new opportunities for people and for neighbourhoods.
Our goal for this year’s campaign is ambitious and, yes, these are tough economic times. But I know that Torontonians will understand how much more difficult it is for those vulnerable, low income families who were already falling dangerously behind during good times. I know they will appreciate the increased challenges faced by our network of 200 agencies as they deliver vital programs and services to at-risk youth, newcomers, the homeless and the elderly, as they help strengthen inner suburban neighbourhoods facing rising levels of poverty and a lack of health and social services. And I believe that Torontonians will be more generous than ever before.
This issue of Community Matters showcases some pretty special people. Our interview with Bill MacKinnon, Chair of our 2008 United Way Campaign, provides but a brief introduction to the measure of the man. Bill likes to say that you do good by doing good. And, indeed, that’s what he does as evidenced by his steadfast commitment to United Way and his unwavering resolve to help make Toronto a more inclusive city with opportunities for everyone.
In this issue we are also proud to feature the Robert Harding Leadership Challenge Grant. The grant will provide up to
$1 million in matching funds to leadership gifts of $1,000 or more to the United Way Community Fund. Currently Chair of the United Way Toronto Board of Trustees, Robert has provided outstanding leadership and support to United Way for over a decade.
Help us demonstrate once again, that this city does have a very big heart. Together we will make it.
Without you, there would be no way.
President and
Chief Executive Officer
United Way Toronto
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Bill MacKinnon has been the Chief Executive Officer and Senior partner at KPMG Canada since 1999 and is the Chair of the 2008 United Way Campaign. He believes that “you do good by doing good” and has been involved in community service throughout his professional life. KPMG continues to be among our most generous corporate supporters.
On September 10, twenty gennexters took part in the Wednesday Night Supper Club at Community Living Toronto, a 60-year-old United Way member agency that is a recognized leader in offering a full range of personalized supports and services to people with an intellectual disability and their families.
