Frances Lankin

President and Chief Executive Officer, United Way Toronto

Celebrating all that you made possible in 2009

As summer arrives, with the warmth of the season lifting our spirits, I am reminded of the saying, "hope springs eternal." After the difficult economic times of last year, and even with the uncertainties that lay ahead, I'm ever hopeful of what the future has in store for our city. Torontonians have weathered one of the most difficult economic times in our recent history. There are also some encouraging indicators that the worst may be over.

Although there is still much work to be done, there is also good news to celebrate. In this issue of Community Matters we invite you to join in that celebration. In our cover feature, we take a look at all that was made possible by your generous support in 2009. We'll also join University Settlement, one of United Way's first member agencies, in marking their 100th anniversary. Osler, one of Toronto's premier law firms, is looking forward to their 2010 Campaign and is throwing down the gauntlet. Toronto-based law firms, will you take up the challenge? And Joel Beauchamp-Guay of Procter & Gamble gives all the reasons why GenNext and being a Leadership donor can make change possible.

Please enjoy,
Frances Lankin

P.S. If you've got a father who already has everything, read about our unique solution to your Father's Day gift-buying dilemmas.

Video: Osler throws down the gauntlet

Toronto's number one fundraising law firm sends out the call

Osler is a business law firm that consistently ranks as one of Canada's top firms. But that ranking isn't just in terms of their practice, it's also in terms of money raised in their United Way workplace campaign—and they're not shy about it either. » Read more about why Osler supports United Way...

Video: University Settlement gears up for its centennial celebrations

100 years of planting deep roots in the local community

United Way member agency University Settlement, a multi-service neighbourhood centre in downtown Toronto, sees almost 30,000 people come through its doors every year. The centre's capacity to provide services to those clients is in large part owing to the funding provided by United Way donors.
» Read more about the anniversary celebrations on June 12 & 13

GenNext Ambassador Extraordinaire

Joel Beauchamp-Guay sets an example for young professionals

Joel Beauchamp-Guay is a long-time supporter of United Way, a founding member of the GenNext group at Procter & Gamble, and a Leadership donor ($1,000 +). And he's only 31. Community Matters caught up with Joel before his well-earned vacation to talk about his work with United Way, and GenNext in particular. » Read the full interview....

Give the gift of building a better city

Do you have a special occasion you want to honour? A loved one you want to remember? Making a donation to United Way Toronto is a unique way to commemorate important people and events in your life.

We have e-cards for every occasion to celebrate your donation. What's more, you can send your card by e-mail or print the card yourself so you can mail it or deliver it in person.

It's the perfect gift for the friend who has everything. A thoughtful remembrance of a loved one. A unique tribute on a special occasion.

And, remember... Father's Day is approaching fast.

News

On February 4, DiverseCity onBoard recognized United Way Toronto for embracing diversity in board governance and making it a priority to seek out board members from diverse backgrounds. "This recognition by DiverseCity onBoard means the world to United Way," said Frances Lankin. "Our goal is for diversity and inclusion to become an integral part of who we are and what we do. While we're proud of how far we've come, this award further strengthens our commitment to be as diverse and inclusive as the communities we serve." » Read more...

In March, United Way announced a new research partnership with McMaster University. The new study will examine the relationship between precarious employment and poverty, building on the findings from the groundbreaking 2007 report, Losing Ground. "We need a clear picture of what's at the heart of the issues our city struggles with," explains Susan MacDonnell, United Way's Director of Research. "Our research gives us that picture. It's essential to our development of targeted strategies to effectively address them." » Read more...

On April 30, youth leaders of For Youth Initiative (FYI) were joined by their partners from the Youth Challenge Fund (YCF), United Way Toronto, the City of Toronto, Mayor David Miller and generous donors Judith and Henrietta Kostman (on behalf of George and Rachel Kostman) to celebrate the official opening of a new youth-designated community space at 1652 Keele St. in Weston-Mt. Dennis. The space, which includes a computer room, lounge, dance space, kitchen, boardroom and offices, was planned, designed and built by and for young people in the community.
» Read more...

Events

Scotiabank Rat Race welcomes 1200 runners to the streets of downtown Toronto on June 10, 2010. The event is already sold out but you still have an opportunity to sponsor a runner.

United Way Toronto is hosting its 2010 Annual General Meeting on June 29, 2010 at the Fairmont Royal York, Concert Hall. Tickets are $25 per person or $250 for a table of 10. John Tory, Chair of the Toronto City Summit Alliance and Newstalk 1010 broadcaster, will be the keynote speaker.

Join Ed Clark, President and Chief Executive Officer, TD Bank Financial Group and United Way Toronto's Campaign Chair for the 2010 Campaign Launch. The celebration will be hosted on September 8 from 12:00 Noon – 1:30 PM at the TD Centre, Outdoor Courtyard, 66 Wellington Street West.