The United Way of Bruce Grey is reflecting on the past year and looking ahead to 2023.
Executive Director Francesca Dobbyn says looking back on the past year, she says one of the most prolific things was the launch of their S.O.S. project. It provides mobile health and social services for marginalized people in Grey Bruce by teaming with physicians, mental health services, and paramedics.
She says it was also a joy to return to in-person events.
“We certainly kicked off with a Pokemon event out in the park in the spring, got back into some of our regular fundraising events and barbecues here and there, so that was really neat to get back out into the community,” says Dobbyn.
She says moving past the Covid pandemic, they have learned the most vulnerable are always the ones most impacted.
“There was a real split between the have’s and have not’s in terms of having the resources to manage through an emergency like this. The impact that had on housing, and people being able to remote work so they moved up here and got out of the city and that impacted a lot of our housing issues and created a massive cohort of people who are un-housed or precariously housed. Those are some of the challenges that have come out of that pandemic,” says Dobbyn.
Looking ahead to the new year, Dobbyn says they are bringing back old events, including the Award Night at the Movies, which is the United Way’s Oscar event at the local Cineplex.
“It was one of the hardest hit industries as well with the shut downs, so we are excited to be partnering with them on some special events,” says Dobbyn.
She adds as next year is the 25th anniversary of the United Way, they plan to do something special on the 25 of every month to celebrate. One of these events is Coldest Night of the Year, which they plan to host in Port Elgin and Kincardine on Feb. 25. The event is a three or five kilometre walk around the community to recognize the hardships of those who are un-housed.
“It is a primary fundraiser for us, this is our first year doing that. Safe n Sound does it here in Owen Sound, so we are down in Port Elgin and Kincardine kicking it off with hoping to expand to other communities in 2024,” says Dobbyn.
Dobbyn thanks the community who has supported the United Way by responding to its needs.
“Everytime we turn around and say ‘okay this is what is on fire right now, this is what we are dealing with right now,’ our community has responded with ‘how can we help,’” says Dobbyn. “Our community is just amazing and they care so much for each other and we are just so grateful.”
