By: Fernando Arce, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, The Milton Reporter
Milton was well represented this past weekend at the UPS Plane Pull event, which raised $217,000 for the United Way of Halton and Hamilton.
Out of 63 teams, the MCRC Mavericks — representing Milton’s Community Resources Centre — placed third, pulling a 200,000-pound UPS cargo plane 50 feet along the Hamilton International Airport runway in just 17.12 seconds.
The annual event, held on Saturday, Sept. 21, marked the start of the United Way Halton & Hamilton’s 2024-2025 fundraising campaign, which aims to raise $12.5 million. This year’s theme is United in Action.
Those funds will help support more than 220,500 individuals and families through 117 programs across Burlington, Halton Hills, Hamilton, Milton, and Oakville.
According to their 2023-2024 impact report, the top five needs identified in Halton and Hamilton are housing, health, mental health/substance use disorders, legal/public safety, and information services. The report states that 61 per cent of the 117 programs the United Way offers have seen an increase in demand.
That’s why community support is crucial, says Kristen Jacob, vice-president of communications and marketing, as “more people are finding themselves living in at-risk areas in Milton and across Halton.”
“This often means they lack access to essential needs like nutritious food or adequate shelter, which can impact a person’s physical and mental health,” Jacob told The Milton Reporter.
Jacob noted that between 2016 and 2021, the proportion of Milton residents living in significantly at-risk areas doubled, from six to 12 per cent. Last year alone, 21,556 residents received support from the organization through 49 local programs, ranging from food security and mental health services to youth mentorship and shelter assistance.
Fortunately, says Jacob, “many generous Milton residents both sit on volunteer committees for United Way Halton & Hamilton and donate at leadership levels.”
Leadership donors contribute at least $1,200, which can provide after-school snacks for 61 children for three months. Donations of $2,500 can support 18 months of volunteer services for two isolated older adults living with memory impairment. A $5,000 donation funds a psycho-educational session for 1,690 families with loved ones experiencing addiction.
Although ambitious, this year’s $12.5 million goal was set after meeting the same historic target last year. Those funds helped United Way support 19 new agencies and 24 new programs.
“One standout factor that helped us reach the historic goal was the Local Love Community Match,” says Jacob, where for every $4 donated, an additional $1 is added by community members and businesses. The match program is featured again this year.
“This match really energized our donors by showing them how their contributions could have an even greater impact. Every dollar they gave was amplified, making a bigger difference for those in need.”
Jacob added that “despite the economic challenges many are facing,” communities have continued to pull through, “willing to give, especially when they see how their contributions can create real change.”
“Our community’s generosity is truly remarkable,” she says. “The compassion, generosity, and commitment to making a difference are at the heart of why we believe we can reach our goal again this year.”
United Way will also be hosting community flag raisings with local mayors in Burlington, Halton Hills, Hamilton, Milton, and Oakville on Oct. 1 and 2.
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