Message from
Heather

Why United Way?

It’s a question you may ask each year — why give to United Way? And why trust us to make the impact you want to see? It is also the question that I asked myself recently when I considered applying for the role of President & CEO of United Way Greater Toronto.

As this report goes to print, I am settling in, getting up to speed and rolling up my sleeves to lead United Way’s mission here in the GTA. I know and understand the challenges ahead for our community. And despite them — or even because of them — I am excited to be here.

Let me tell you why.

First, a little about me. I am a trained social worker. For the last 25 years that has included leadership in the social services sector, most recently in housing, mental health and harm reduction services. That is an area where the needs of many people in our community are particularly dire, and where we have had to double down on ingenuity and resourcefulness to meet them.

My focus has been on strengthening non-profit infrastructure, working with government and forging dynamic community partnerships to ensure that the most vulnerable people have stable housing and ongoing supports. That has also meant moving into the world of construction and real estate and of growing the philanthropic heft needed to propel that new work. All of that may sound familiar if you have been a steadfast United Way supporter.

And that’s part of my answer to why United Way. This is work that I am passionate about, that I know is important and that I have no doubt can make a real difference for people across our region, no matter their struggles. Be they housing, mental health and harm reduction. Or food security. Or employment. Or settling in a new country. Or trying to live independently. This is where United Way has always been engaged and where I know I can also make a meaningful contribution.

With the amazing team at United Way Greater Toronto, I am getting ready to launch a bold 10-year strategy that supports and sustains vital services, secures permanent spaces for community organizations and scales innovative solutions that reduce poverty and inequality.

I can’t wait to dig in.

But we cannot do this without you. Only together, doing everything we can, any way we can, will we reach our collective goal: vibrant, equitable communities where collaboration with partners, residents and leaders fosters connection, growth and resilience.

In partnership,

Heather McDonald
President & Ceo
United Way Greater Toronto