London Community Foundation

United Way of London and Middlesex

Locally driven and governed, United Way is a registered charity dedicated to improving the quality of life of all people in our community and helping individuals, families, neighbourhoods and communities reach their full potential. Each year, United Way raises millions of dollars in support of local programs and charities in London and Middlesex County. This year’s Campaign started on September 10 with the 3M Harvest Lunch where United Way announced its goal of $7.4 million.

On October 14th, United Way launched GenNext.

GenNext’s mission is to mobilize a generation into making a positive impact in our own community through awareness, involvement and giving. The inaugural event, Would You Rather, took place at Museum London, and was a fantastic mix of entertainment, inspiration and engagement.

Marc Kielburger, an accomplished social advocate, leadership specialist, Nobel prize nominee, New York Times best-selling author and speaker with a powerful message was keynote. Through his work as Co-Founder of Free The Children and Me to We, Marc draws on his experience to inspire young people to become the leaders of today and tomorrow.

The event engaged hundreds of young professionals in their 20s and 30s to use their skills, talents and passion to affect change in our community. A key component of the event is to engage GenNexters to sign up for social change initiatives that address some of the key issues affecting our community today. For more information or to order tickets visit, www.gennextuw.ca.

The relationship between the Community Foundation and United Way
London Community Foundation manages endowment funds for more than 20 registered charities of all sizes and types across London and Middlesex County. These agencies benefit from the Community Foundation’s wide investment portfolio, earning higher interest and enjoying lower administration and investment fees than if they or their own board of directors managed and invested the fund. For larger agencies supporting small agencies - such as the United Way, an endowed fund held by a third party is another secure source of annual income not dependent upon annual fundraising efforts or successful grant applications.

In 1997, United Way established the Forever Fund with London Community Foundation. This endowed fund received a matching contribution from the Lawson Foundation Challenge Grant program. United Way receives the annual net investment income earned by the Fund, and uses it to support community programs.

United Way of London & Middlesex Stability Fund was established in 2006. Also managed by the London Community Foundation, United Way has access to the full value of the Fund in the event of a severe annual campaign hardship. United Way is a leader in understanding the root causes of social issues and bringing together the people and resources to find lasting solutions. United Way is creating real change in people’s lives – meaningful, positive, lasting change. Not just for today, but for the long term. And that means a better community for us all. Inspiring people to come together, we have the power to make a real difference, in people’s lives and in our community.

To learn more about United Way’s work in our community, learn how to donate or get involved, visit www.uwlondon.on.ca.