It’s that time of year again when the York University community comes together to support the United Way Greater Toronto, an organization that partners with 280 local agencies working to help vulnerable members of our community facing crisis with shelter, housing, literacy, food, social isolation, legal and health services.
York University has partnerships with many United Way-funded agencies, where some of our students complete internships, placements and have been hired to work. These agencies include:
- 360 Kids
- 519 Church street Community Centre
- Access Alliance Multicultural Health and Community Services
- Big Brother Big Sisters
- Fred Victor
- Centre for Equality Rights in Accommodation (CERA)
- For Youth Initiative
- CEE Centre for Young Black Professionals
- CMHA Toronto
- Canadian Centre for Victims of Torture
- East Metro Youth Services
- Circle of Care
- Community Living
- Jane Finch Community & Family Centre
This is a challenging year and many people in our community are struggling. The GTA is the poverty capital of Canada and many families and individuals have been pushed further into crisis by the COVID-19 pandemic. The social services sector is stretching beyond its limits to serve the community but help is needed to keep our friends and neighbours strong, connected and supported now and through the years to come.
York University is committed to creating positive change for our students, communities and the world, and this campaign is a key example of what York stands for. This year’s campaign runs from Nov. 2 to Dec. 2 with a goal to raise $150,000. Each York University staff and faculty member will receive an email with their own personalized electronic pledge form on Nov. 2. Email reminders will continue to be sent to staff and faculty over the course of the pledge drive.
Gifts made to United Way Greater Toronto (not designated to other organizations) before Dec. 31 will be matched, dollar for dollar*. Those who make a gift of $10,000 or more to United Way Greater Toronto for the first time before Dec. 31, will have their gift matched by the Harquail Family**.
*Up to maximum of $2.2 million
**Up to a maximum of $1 million
Staff and faculty members can designate their gift to York University’s Emergency COVID-19 Student Relief fund. To do so, visit your personalized donation link and select the option to designate your gift to another charity. Enter “York University – Emergency COVID-19 Student Relief fund” in the charity search field. Enter “York University – Emergency COVID-19 Student Relief fund” in the new charity name field. Finally, enter 11930 6736 RR0001 in the charity number field followed by the designation amount.
Questions and inquiries can be directed to yucares@yorku.ca.
For more information and to see stories of people who faced barriers and overcame them, visit https://www.yorku.ca/alumniandfriends/united-way/.
GetUP – United Way Greater Toronto’s virtual physical challenge
Don’t forget to GetUP to help raise funds for individuals and families experiencing poverty. Register for GetUP and participate in a physical activity of your choosing for 280 minutes over a 14-day period. Funds raised through this virtual challenge will support 280 community agencies. Join the “York University-York Cares” team or register your own team, just be sure to indicate that York University is your school or workplace and include York University in the team name. Register now or visit www.unitedwaygt.org/getup for more information.