United Way Toronto launches 2010 campaign.
United Way Toronto volunteers reveal the organization's $113-million 2010 campaign goal Wednesday. CEO Susan McIsaac is at right.
Staff photo/MIKE ADLER
United Way Toronto is reaching higher than ever this year.
Its 2010 campaign goal - $113 million - is the biggest anywhere in North America, CEO Susan McIsaac said Wednesday, urging the charity umbrella's 20,000 volunteers to "stand up, step up, work hard" to make the city one where no one is left behind.
Hundreds cheered in the TD Centre Courtyard downtown as workers from United Way member agencies on stage turned over signs, revealing each digit in the number as rain started to fall.
Toronto "still has real needs," and many people here have had a bad break, said TD Financial Group CEO Ed Clark, campaign chairperson.
"There are people still going to bed with their children hungry," Clark said.
"United Way can fill in the gaps where government programs inevitably miss out."
Frances Lankin, who stepped down as United Way CEO after nine years, said she's proud of what she and the organization accomplished.
"I'm building a city that has a place for everyone," said Lankin.
"It is magic, and it has touched my life so deeply."
McIsaac said the United Way will continue to meet "urgent human need" in the city and address root causes of social problems.
Using its Strong Neighbourhoods Strategy, the charity works with community leaders to identify local issues and solutions, she said.
The organization opened a community hub in Scarborough in January and plans on opening three more - places where people come together for health care and other services- across the city this year.
The campaign goal is up from the $109 million raised in 2009.