FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 15th, 2023
SASKATOON, SK – United Way Saskatoon and Area invested an additional $320,000 in funding this fall to further support local community-based organizations providing critical services for at-risk children, women and youth.
“A reality we all face today is rising costs, and those most at risk of going hungry, without shelter or experiencing violence during such times are women and children,” said Sheri Benson, chief executive officer at United Way Saskatoon and Area. “This year, our funded agencies told us they are experiencing exceptional pressure on their resources, and we wanted to do what we could to help.”
The funding is in addition to the $3.5 million United Way already invested in 42 local initiatives this year and a six per cent cost of living increase added in 2023 to the annual funding United Way provides to 35 agencies.
“It’s National Philanthropy Day and we’re asking those who can afford it to help to do what you can to support our community-based organizations, because most are struggling to keep up with growing demand for their services and increasing costs,” said Benson.
Hope Restored is one of the funding recipients. The agency operates a local safe house and program for those exiting sexual exploitation and trafficking.
“Food and shelter costs have risen substantially over the last couple of years, meaning our agency has had less and less each month to support participants in the program,” said Joeline Magill, executive director and founding director of Hope Restored. “Our team sees first-hand the devastating impacts of sex trafficking and sexual exploitation has on people in our community, and as the only agency of its kind in the province, we are grateful for this additional support.”
The recipients of this additional funding include:
$100,000 to YWCA for transitional housing for women and children experiencing violence.
$50,000 to Chokecherry Studios for at-risk youth arts programming.
$50,000 to OUTSaskatoon to support Pride Home, housing for queer and trans youth experiencing homelessness.
$50,000 to Hope Restored to support a local safe house and program for those exiting sexual exploitation and trafficking.
$50,000 to Prairie Harm Reduction to support expanded hours and life-saving interventions for people struggling with substance-use.
$10,000 to EGADZ to support a youth-led housing committee that is designing and renovating a retreat home for at-risk youth.
$10,000 in groceries to Saskatoon Tribal Council for their emergency wellness centre.
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MEDIA CONTACT
Dan Matthews
306-380-9239
dmatthews@unitedwaysaskatoon.ca
ABOUT UNITED WAY SASKATOON AND AREA
For 65 years, United Way Saskatoon and Area has fostered partnerships with the goal of bringing people and resources together to build a vibrant and caring community. Through collaboration, we move people from poverty to possibility, help build strong communities and support kids to be all that they can be. Each year, United Way mobilizes millions of dollars in community investment, hundreds of community-minded volunteers and organizes dozens of community building projects to make life in our communities better and safer for everyone.
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