United Way 2004 Grant Allocations

Thursday 15 July 2004

It’s good to be here today to help out a group with such a track record for doing good. I've always thought it's a sad reflection on our society when a "do-gooder" has become a term of abuse. It's a shame. The energy and commitment of the voluntary sector are ultimately what glues our community together.

Since United Way started in the late 19th century it has spread to 45 countries where it collectively processes over $4 billion annually through 4,200 independent community funds.

United Way got started here in 1975.

Last year it funded 145 local charities in eight regions throughout New Zealand for a total of about $1.2 million. This funding affected about 260,00 people, or about 16 per cent of our total national population.

Today United Way is giving grants to the value of $121,000 to Christchurch and Canterbury charities. United Way's job is to make people become actively generous by brokering the exchange of resources (money, time, skills) between individuals, organisations, business, government and the community.

Their funding priorities are:

• Children and Young people at risk
• Families in Crisis
• Neighbourhoods and communities
• Caring for the elderly
• Promoting health and independence
• Emergencies, food and shelter

As national Vice Patron of United Way I would love to see more support for United Way here in Christchurch. These folk are committed to making a positive difference in people's lives, but they need your support. They have mine.

They are community builders of the best sort.