By Jack Brittle, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
On April 11, United Way Halton and Hamilton held an Evening of Celebration at the Burlington Convention Centre to celebrate reaching a fundraising goal of $12,500,000, marking an increase of $1.5 million compared to last year’s total.
The event formally kicked off around 6 p.m., but guests had been filling up the hall since 4:30 p.m. Chris Mei, a former host on The Weather Network, acted as emcee for the event, getting the attention of the guests and directing their attention to the video screens when announcing the various winners of awards related to dedication to the United Way Halton and Hamilton (UWHH).
Mei explained what the heart of the event was in his introduction.
“Tonight’s all about you,” Mei said. “We’re here today to celebrate those who work so hard to give a brighter future to those who need it.”
Kristen Jacob, vice president of marketing and communications, spoke about how the money is going to be invested back into the community.
“This extra money that we’ve raised this year, this extra million and a half dollars, is going to be invested in new agencies that are going to be supported across Halton and Hamilton, as well as new programs that are now going to be able to receive funding from us,” Jacob said.
Jacob said that the money will help bring housing insecurity, homelessness, and poverty down and support children and seniors in isolation and with mental health challenges.
“It’s been raised locally,” Jacob said. “It will stay local.”
Jacob attributed the organization’s success to the “Local Love Community Match.” According to the UWHH’s press release, “For every $4 donated to this year’s campaign, an additional $1 was matched by supportive community members and organizations.”
Jacob also spoke about how the increase in people needing financial aid has put a strain on organizations designed to help them.
“It has been a difficult year,” Jacob said. “I mean, you don’t have to look far in the community to see that. The economic crisis, rising costs, inflation, all of these factors have really impacted small businesses, large organizations, as well as non-profits.”
She explained that UWHH collaborated with McMaster on a study on non-profit organizations, which found that over half of them have waitlists for applicants.
Brad Park, the president and CEO of United Way Halton and Hamilton, said in the same press release that “despite a 68% increase in demand for social services programs, and over 50% of agencies having waitlists, we’re hopeful these funds will help increase critical support to those who need it the most.”
Before the award winners were announced, Myranda Fabiola from local organization Grandmother’s Voice performed a traditional Indigenous hoop dance for eventgoers.
Mei then thanked some of the event’s sponsors, including the main sponsor, Cogeco. Cogeco also was awarded a “Step Up for the Community Award,” along with Reliance, TD and RBC banks, and the City of Hamilton, among others.
The City of Burlington was given the “Game Changer” award, along with Halton Region, Mohawk College, and many others.
The “Leading the Way” award went to McMaster University, the Ontario English Catholic Teachers Association Halton Elementary Unit, and others.
The “Inspiring Local Love” award went to Burlington Hydro, Halton Catholic District School Board, and Halton District School Board, alongside a slew of other organizations.
Mei also thanked all of the various mayors and council members who were in attendance including Burlington’s Mayor Marianne Meed Ward and Ward 2 Councillor Lisa Kearns.
Guests were treated to a three-course meal along with hors d’oeuvres, which were included in the admission price, along with entertainment provided by violinist William from Bongo and B Entertainment, who performed before the festivities formally began and again during the break for dinner.
Before the event wrapped up with a speech from Park and a reveal of the amount of money raised, attendees were treated to a surprise dance performance by a group from ArtHouse Halton. The dance troupe came through one of the two main doors that led to the banquet hall before performing in the middle of the hall and on the stage.
Park then addressed the crowd and spoke about the importance of all the money raised.
“There’s an incredible, infectious energy in this room tonight. …I want to thank everyone for coming out tonight and not just tonight, coming out and showing out this entire last year,” Park said.
“Everyone here has played a vital role in shaping our communities for the better,” he continued.
Park then passed the mic over to Matt Wickham, the senior vice president of sales and operations at Cogeco.
“I will be forever changed by seeing firsthand the incredible work of staff and volunteers at our partner agencies, and hearing those impact stories of what that work achieves for individuals and families,” Wickham said.
The night culminated with a reveal of the $12,500,000 that UWHH raised, complete with an on-screen countdown and musical accompaniment.
