The United Way Guelph Wellington Dufferin has faced fundraising challenges this year due to the ongoing pandemic. Despite this, they were able to distribute $1.5 million to 51 programs in the first round of 2024, which is the lowest amount they have distributed as an organization. Executive director Glenna Banda attributed this decline in fundraising to people focusing their income on basic expenses like food and rent, leading to a decrease in donations. As a result, the United Way had to carefully consider which areas are in critical need of funding and use their resources most effectively.
Banda emphasized the importance of engaging with those close to the issues to determine the most urgent needs and how to allocate funds effectively. Community agencies, such as food banks and shelters, have seen an increase in demand for their services, further exacerbating the need for funding. Despite the challenges, the recent UWGWD fundraising campaign generated $2.54 million in donations, which will help support programs such as the Sanguen Health Centre, Art Not Shame, Ball 4 All, the Arab Women’s Society of Guelph, and the Orangeville Food Bank.
The funding received from the United Way has enabled the Sanguen Health Centre to keep their community van operational, allowing them to provide essential services such as nursing care, social support, peer support, and harm reduction support to individuals in Guelph and Wellington County. Banda acknowledged the importance of raising awareness about the needs in the community and the opportunities to address them in order to attract more donations and effectively utilize the funds. By working closely with community partners, Banda is hopeful that the United Way will be able to help more organizations with fewer resources and collectively respond to urgent needs in different ways.
As the United Way continues to navigate the challenges of fundraising during the pandemic, they remain committed to supporting essential programs and services in the Guelph Wellington Dufferin region. With a focus on community engagement and effective allocation of funds, they are working to address the most critical needs and make a positive impact on vulnerable populations. Despite the decline in donations, Banda remains optimistic about the organization’s ability to adapt and respond to changing circumstances, ensuring that vital services continue to be available to those in need. Through collaboration and a shared commitment to helping the community, the United Way aims to make a difference in the lives of individuals and families facing challenging times.
