Thursday, June 19, 2008, Ottawa – At a neighbourhood event celebrating  its 75th anniversary,  United Way/Centraide announced it is investing $25.5 million in the community through agencies, programs and initiatives for 2008*. This exceeds investments from 2007 by $1.6 million.  United Way/Centraide also released the first annual Measures of Change report, which provides snapshots of the impact of United Way/Centraide and its partners in building a stronger, healthier, safer community for all.

The event was kicked off by Mayor Larry O’Brien, who designated June 19th United Way Day in Ottawa. This proclamation is in recognition of United Way/Centraide’s commitment to making an impact in the community for 75 years.

United Way/Centraide’s work is focused on six impact areas: children and youth; seniors; people with disabilities; individuals and families in need and crisis; new Canadians and immigrants and strengthening agency, neighbourhood and community capacity building. Funding is provided to front-line programs and services that demonstrate the potential to deliver real change in people’s lives, and to the community as a whole. United Way/Centraide’s commitment also extends to working with partners on community-wide initiatives that strive to address the root causes of problems in the community and initiate real change.

Investment highlights:

United Way/Centraide is investing $16 million in programs, services and initiatives in the six impact areas:

• $4.5 million invested in promoting healthy development for Children and Youth
• $1.4 million invested in reducing barriers and increasing engagement for New Canadians and Immigrants
• $1.7 million invested in reducing isolation and enhancing the quality of life of Seniors
• $2.5 million invested in reducing barriers and increasing participation for People with Disabilities
• $4.3 million invested in strengthening Individuals and Families in times of need and crisis
• $1.8 million invested in strengthening Agency, Neighbourhood and Community Capacity
• $9.3 million in donor-directed investments, other United Ways and other allocations

“Beyond the support to valued front-line programs and services, the commitment of  our community’s decision-makers, business and labour leaders, and all levels of government is vital to achieving impact,” said Catherine Lane, Chair, United Way/Centraide Community Services Cabinet. “United Way/Centraide brings the necessary players to the table to identify, develop and provide solutions for our community issues. Out of this work comes initiatives, such as Hire Immigrants Ottawa, the Leadership Table on Homelessness and Success By 6, where the work of all sectors is aligned and focused on achieving measurable change.”

“More than 90 volunteers – leaders in their respective fields – contribute their expertise to determine where we should invest,” said Eileen Dooley, Vice-President, Community Services, United Way/Centraide. “They represent a cross-section of the community and not only lend us their know-how, but also their passion. Their work provides crucial direction, sets priorities and ultimately guides investments.”

“The generosity of this community is humbling,” said Michael Allen, President and CEO, United Way/Centraide. “Our 75 year history in Ottawa speaks to the caring and sharing of the people who live here – that’s truly a wonderful legacy.  We like to think of it as 75 years of impact – of making this city a better place to live.  Our role today is to maximize the community’s contributions through partnerships and investments, and to ensure real and measurable outcomes are produced.”

*Our total community investment on revenues of $29.8 million, after fundraising and administration costs of 14% and after pledge loss (unfulfilled pledges). A detailed breakdown of revenues and expenses for this year will appear in United Way/Centraide’s 2008 Annual Report.

About United Way Ottawa

United Way Ottawa’s mission is to bring people and resources together to build a strong, healthy, safe, community for all. By bringing people together from all parts of our community to identify, develop and provide solutions to community needs, we promise that the donations we receive go where they are needed most. In 2008, United Way Ottawa made a record community investment to support over 200 projects, programs and partnerships, in more than 100 community organizations.

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Background Documents

For more information, please contact:

Kate Headley, United Way/Centraide Ottawa
Phone: (613) 683-3823 or Cell: (613) 294-8128

E-mail: kheadley@unitedwayottawa.ca