TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - May 8, 2012) - United Way Toronto announced today that Enbridge Gas Distribution's significant gift, made during United Way's annual fundraising campaign, will support the charity's Building Strong Neighbourhoods Strategy. Enbridge's investment will fund Resident Action Grant - small pools of money residents use to start community projects that address local concerns in neighbourhoods they call home.
"Resident Action Grants engage and empower residents to lead change from the ground up," said United Way Toronto President and CEO, Susan McIsaac. "With funds from Enbridge, these grants support activities that are linked to local priorities identified by residents like improving community safety or increasing opportunities for young people."
"Our employees share a strong commitment to local United Way organizations with Enbridge colleagues across North America," said Enbridge Gas Distribution President Guy Jarvis. "As neighbours in the communities we serve, we feel privileged to continue to support United Way's efforts to build up neighbourhoods through innovative initiatives including the Resident Action Grant Program."
"Whether it's safety audits or beautification projects, sewing clubs or conversation circles, these grants foster local leadership and encourage people to work together to shape the future of their neighbourhood," said McIsaac. "The generosity and leadership shown by Enbridge to support local efforts to lead change will have a tremendous impact on our entire city."
Resident Action Grants are a key component of United Way's Neighbourhood Strategy - a city-wide, place-based approach at the heart of United Way's efforts to strengthen neighbourhoods. McIsaac said that some 114 Resident Action Grants have already been implemented across the 13 priority neighbourhoods since 2006. The grants support the collective efforts and commitment of residents to make their communities stronger.
About United Way Toronto:
Established in 1956, United Way Toronto is a charity dedicated to creating opportunities for a better life for everyone. Working in partnership with others, we mobilize people and resources to support a network of agencies that help people when they need it most. United Way also addresses the root causes of social problems, working to change community conditions for the better over the long term.
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