Why I Give
How Laura Bradford gives and gets back
Laura Bradford in Queen’s Park, May 2007.
Every day, Laura Bradford sees the importance of a strong community. As an employee of the Accessibility Directorate of Ontario in the Ministry of Community and Social Services, Laura is hard at work with her colleagues in furthering the vision of making Ontario accessible to people with disabilities by 2025. Through her work with the Ministry, Laura has had many opportunities to work with United Way agencies. “I see the benefits of a cooperative approach to community and government investing. We all get a much richer product as a result.”
Her job is an enormous challenge, but then Laura is not one to shy away from a challenge. She recently leapt with both feet into the role of motherhood when she and her husband adopted twin boys through Children’s Aid. “Our children are our priority right now,” she says. “Though we lack the time to volunteer as much as we’d like to, we can still give money.”
Laura holds a deep-seated belief that communities have a responsibility for the people within, which is why she and her husband donate to United Way. “United Way is a coordinated and thoughtful way to have real impact where there is need,” she says. She has also seen the need for community support on a personal level. While they were relieved that their children experienced a relatively easy transition, Laura says she and her husband were reassured knowing that support would be available from local agencies should the need arise.
She has also seen family and friends find their way through tough times with the assistance of United Way agencies. “Everyone needs help sometime,” she says. “And when you’re in need, you should be able to count on the community around you.”