The United Way London and Middlesex is aiming big with their 2014 fundraising campaign.
At the 3M Harvest Lunch on Wednesday, United Way officials launched their largest campaign in the organization’s history, by setting their goal at $9 million, $100,000 more than last year.
“This goal is about closing the gap and creating opportunities for people to live their best possible life right here in London and Middlesex County,” said CEO Andrew Lockie.
London police Chief Brad Duncan is the United Way’s 2014 campaign chair and says he gets a first-hand look at the benefits this campaign can have.
“From programs that focus on prevention and addressing the root causes of complex social issues to providing access to crisis supports, United Way is getting results and changing lives – and that means a better community for us all.”
United Way has already raised $1.6 million for the 2014 campaign, but there are challenges, like the closure of the Kellogg's plant, which has been a big supporter.
To donate, you can visit the United Way’s website for more information.
Trying to generate discussion on poverty
London's high poverty rate hasn't generated much discussion in the municipal election so far, and while some are encouraged by an emphasis on job creation, other issues that contribute haven't seen much talk.
According to Statistics Canada data from 2010, 12. 3 per cent of Londoners live below the poverty line, compared to 8.8 per cent in Ontario and nine per cent nationally.
Abe Oudshoorn, chair of the Homeless Coalition, says "Obviously employment and integrity are the big topics that the candidates are latching onto because that's what they're hearing at the doors."
He adds that many politicians see job creation as the solution to poverty, but more though is need to having programs in place to help prepare people for the job market, like affordable housing.
"Housing provides the foundation whereby people can make the other changes in their lives around education, around mental health and eventually towards employment. But for some people, starting with employment, it's just not where there at with the challenges of their lives."
A new survey on poverty distributed by the Middlesex-London Health Unit should help jump-start the debate, and the results will be posted on the health unit's website.
