The OPP is aiming to raise $60,000 through its annual campaign for United Way Simcoe Muskoka.
“United Way supports local charities, and we're a huge supporter of local communities and the programming that goes on there,” said Superintendent Paul Mackey, bureau commander, and OPP United Way Employee Campaign chair. “Whatever is good for the community is good for us.”
Last year, the target was $55,000, but the OPP managed to surpass it to raise $71,000, he said.
The funds are raised through weekly employee payroll contributions, a slew of events that take place at headquarters and in the community, such as the tractor pull or hockey games, explained Mackey.
This is a province-wide campaign, he said, each region raises funds for local United Way agencies, which then funnel the funds to other not-for-profit organizations in the area.
And that’s a key point when encouraging people to participate in this fundraiser, said Rosslyn Junke, director community impact, United Way Simcoe Muskoka.
“Because we are the stewards of our donor dollars,” she said, “we want to make sure the money is going to strong and fiscally responsible agencies that have the capacity to deliver these programs.”
Junke said in the past Orillia agencies, such as Big Brothers Big Sisters, John Howard Society, and the local chapter of Canadian Mental Health Association have received funding through this program.
Donors come back again and again because of the reassurance that their money is being applied to local programs, she said.
“In our case, we're about local giving and local results so that the money is staying local and reaching the people that need it,” said Junke. “I think you're hard pressed to ask people to support you if they don't understand the work they do.”
To show donors where their money is being spent, she said, United Way Simcoe Muskoka focuses on the impact of the work it’s supporting.
“Every partner agency that received funding completes an annual review and a review at the end of each project to identify the completed goals of the project and identify what the change looks like,” Junke added.
The rigorous selection process ensures the impact stays local, she said.
Once applications are received, staff at United Way works to identify needs in the community and relevant criteria to be considered for funding. This information is then forwarded to a senior group of volunteers that reviews applications and forwards recommendations to the board for approval.
To qualify, Junke explained some of the criteria, which include that charities have to be registered and must be able to provide audited financials. The committee will also look at the uniqueness of the program and if there is another funder in the area from whom the agency is already receiving funds.
“We focus more on programs and services than the actual agency,” said Paulina Robertson, senior relationship manager, United Way Simcoe Muskoka. “The importance of giving to United Way is that it goes to numerous programs and stays local.”
It’s all about the impact, she said.
“Every program and agency that's running (in the community) aims to reduce waiting lists, to alleviate stresses and make life better for everyone,” she said. “It's all about local love and giving back to your community — that's the key message.”
Vince Hawkes, OPP commissioner, agreed with Junke and Roberston.
“This is a great day for, not only the OPP, but also United Way as we launch this program and this whole initiative,” he said. “It's also great for Simcoe County and Muskoka District, because all the funds that our members contribute, they'll see the direct impact in the local communities.”
Continued support can only be garnered through continued education, said Hawkes.
“People need to understand that we live in a great society but there are some negative challenges associated to that, and there are a lot of people that are really hurting and need services and need help,” he said. “As a police organization, our frontline officers see that every day. But in a building where we have over 1,000 people working in different roles, it's great to get that message out and educate them that their donations have a great impact on the community they live in.”
Not only did OPP employees learn about the OPP United Way Campaign, but they also had a chance to interact with specialized OPP units, such as the Urban search and rescue, Chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and explosives Response Team, Canine Unit, Witness Protection Unit, and Provincial Anti-terrorism Section.
For more information on how to submit an application, visit uwsimcoemuskoka.ca.
