Alicia asked what we knew about the United Way? R Dan Thompson gave an excellent and detailed answer. Alicia advised that the current chair of the United Way board is a Rotarian, Rick Riley of the Cobourg Rotary Club. They have a Board of Directors and a great group of volunteers. There are 87 United Ways across Canada. They are rebuilding after COVID. Last year $875,000 was raised and spent in Northumberland County by the United Way. This year is their 55th year. The focus for the United way includes: - Community
- Kids
- Poverty
The United Way is supporting 7 organizations with substantial donations each year: - Big Brothers Big Sisters
- The Help Centre
- Community Councelling Resource Network
- Community Care Northumberland
- Rebound youth
- Salvation Army
- Wrap Around Northumberland
The United Way also run their own programs (not just funding other organizations) including: - 211 – National Help Line – for community services. It is a website and community help line.
- Day of Caring – providing volunteers for organizations such as building shelves for a value store
- Period Promise – providing feminine hygiene products
- Backpacks for Kids Program – last year provided 1100 backpacks for kids from kindergarten to grade 12
- Northumberland Eats – voucher program for redemption for meals, $25 to $100
NUW has 5 new streams for grants - Feed – to assist with immediate needs
- Grow – to fund from farm to table initiatives
- Seed – to pilot new and innovative ideas for current providers
- Thrive – to fund projects that are currently in operation and help to sustain them.
- Learn – things like community gardens
Challenges faced by the United Way: - Increased need through Northumberland County
- Disappearing media
- Age demographics
- Seen as Cobourg Centric
How can you Help? - Donate
- Spread the Word
- Volunteer and Connect
- Partner
This is the 55th year for the United Way, and they impact 1 in 4 people in Northumberland County. |
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