A London developer is pitching in to help out the local United Way in response to the organization's first fundraising shortfall in 16 years.
The Tricar Group has donated $70,000, which will be used to establish the GenNext Step Up matching grant, which will help to engage potential donors of a younger generation. The donation is expected to generate more than $200,000 in new donor dollars, which will go to those in need in the local community.
“United Way does such important work, helping people right here in London and Middlesex County," says Joe Carapella, the owner of Tricar Group. "Hearing they came up short was concerning because I know in the end that means it will have an impact on people's lives. I stepped up to make an investment that will not only change lives, but will also help United Way position itself for long-term future growth."
The United Way in London cited an aging workforce and younger employees who aren’t yet financially secure as reasons for the organization's fundraising shortfall in 2016. The United Way brought in $9.1-million last year, which was slightly less than the $9.17-million it had hoped to raise.
“Joe’s commitment to our community and our organization is truly remarkable,” says United Way CEO Kelly Ziegner. “This gift is very strategic as it will help us address the issue of attracting younger donors, but more importantly will provide three years of stable funding for programs and services that help more than 85,000 people each year.”
-With files from Miranda Chant
