United Way of Canada

In 2008, United Ways across Canada raised over $481.4 million dollars from 119 United Ways in Canada, and funded 4,735 social services in the country. The United Way of Canada office is located in Ottawa, but each United Way office is autonomous. These individual organizations have their own policies, by-laws, organizational structure and governing Board of Directors. Annual dues pay for support programs, training, and the use of the United Way logo.

No government money is received by United Way offices. Each office organizes their own campaign and raises funds for local agencies. One in three people in Niagara Falls and Greater Fort Erie are assisted by one or more agencies funded by United Way.

United Way of Niagara Falls and Greater Fort Erie

The United Way of Niagara Falls and Greater Fort Erie is governed by a Board of Directors of volunteers from the community who meet monthly to discuss policy, new and emerging agency needs, and strategic planning for the organization. Members assume the legal and moral responsibility for all activities of the United Way, including policy administration, evaluation, public and community relations, personnel, finance and strategic planning. Directors approve the annual budget of the United Way and all grants.

Staff operate the office year-round. In addition to the Board, there is an AARC (Allocation and Agency Relations Committee) and a Campaign Cabinet.

The AARC volunteers meet regularly to review Agency budget requests for the following year. Members are given individual agencies to personally review and prepare final recommendations for funding by the Board of Directors.

Volunteers on the Campaign Cabinet are recruited from various segments in Industry, Business, Public Service, Professionals and Tourism. Volunteers organize the full canvass of businesses, employee groups, and individuals.

2009/ 2010 Board of Directors

Larry Oates - Walker Industries - President
Harry Schlange - Town of Fort Erie - Vice President
David O'Kane - Meridian Credit Union - Treasurer
Pat Dunn - Niagara Casinos
Cathy Fusco - Niagara Region
Anna Gualtieri - RE/MAX
Glen King - Canadian Niagara Power Inc.
Janet Morettie Hope Furniture Bank
Candice Rorison - Niagara Parks Commission
Heather Salter - Town of Fort Erie
Nancy Stone - Brock University
Susie Tombs - Niagara Falls & District Labour Council appointee
Mark Wood - Niagara College