September 15, 2016
Manitoba's New Government Supports United Way of Winnipeg Multi-Year Fundraising Strategy
Premier Brian Pallister, Families Minister Scott Fielding, and Education and Training Minister Ian Wishart attended a community breakfast hosted by the United Way of Winnipeg (UWW) at Hugh John MacDonald School in Winnipeg today, to support the launch of UWW’s new three-year fundraising campaign.
The ministers helped serve breakfast to more than 400 individuals made up of families and children from area schools including Dufferin, Pinkham and École Victoria-Albert School.
“The Province of Manitoba is the largest funding partner of the United Way of Winnipeg and is the only government in the country providing support that guarantees all funds raised in Winnipeg support the local community,” said Pallister. “We are very pleased to see funds from Manitoba taxpayers supporting important community-based programming that makes a real difference in the lives of children and families in need.”
Since 1978, the United Way of Winnipeg and the province have forged a strong partnership committed to working towards a better Winnipeg, the premier said. The Manitoba government’s contribution in 2015-16 is more than $4.5 million.
The UWW today announced the launch of their fundraising campaign as part of their three-year plan to strengthen community-based programming to support children and families.
Identified priority areas include:
• additional mentors for children,
• more youth mental health supports,
• increased job and money management programs, and
• more neighbourhood-based supports.
“We strongly believe in helping the United Way of Winnipeg and we want Winnipeggers to know that all of their generous donations go directly to the community,” said Fielding. “Our partnership with UWW is unique in Canada and lets donors know that they are truly supporting a good cause.”
“The long-standing partnership between United Way and the Government of Manitoba underscores the province’s commitment to Winnipeggers and indeed all Manitobans. The fact that the province’s ongoing support means every dollar someone donates to United Way’s campaign goes into the community is something donors have come to greatly appreciate,” said Marilyn MacLaren, chair, board of trustees, United Way of Winnipeg. “We look forward to continuing to work closely over the coming years to make the biggest difference possible in the lives of kids and families in Winnipeg.”
“The UWW does amazing work and we can see the benefits through their focus on more neighbourhood-based supports and services for our community,” said Wishart. “Manitoba’s new government is pleased to continue the long-standing partnership between the province and the United Way of Winnipeg.”
In 2015, Manitobans gave more than $20.4 million to the United Way of Winnipeg, an increase of more than $345,000 over 2014. These donations provided stable funding for more than 100 agencies and programs. Funds raised by the United Way of Winnipeg are used to meet changing social conditions and to create opportunities for a better life for individuals, families and communities, the premier said.
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