The United Way Guelph Wellington Dufferin recently extended financial assistance to a local basketball program, which has resulted in a notable boost for the initiative.
In an announcement made by the organization in April, the Guelph chapter concluded its latest round of funding by allocating over $1.5 million to more than 50 programs. Colleen Murdoch, the director of community engagement and impact for United Way, disclosed that the basketball program Ball 4 All will be the recipient of over $17,000 of the funding.
Ball 4 All is a programme aimed at aiding the youth in the community to achieve their full potential by instructing them in the fundamentals of basketball. Murdoch stated that the funds will be utilised to expand the programme and create more opportunities for additional mentors to be involved. The objective is to enhance the internal capacity-building and extend its reach to more children and youth in the community.
United Way has managed to make a positive impact on the community by collaborating with local organisations, according to Murdoch. She also mentioned that the founder and coordinator of Ball 4 All, Steven Cuevas, has been seeking to expand the programme’s reach to more children and youth.
Despite the challenges brought about by the pandemic, United Way’s 2023 fundraising campaign generated just under $2.5 million in donations. Glenna Banda, the executive director of the organization, acknowledged that the past year had been difficult but emphasised the increased demand for their services, despite a decrease in donations.
Murdoch expressed her satisfaction with the successful round of funding, noting that the $1.5 million allocated to support various programs and services will make a significant difference in the community. She also disclosed that the programme will receive the funds over a two-year period.
The financial backing provided by United Way will undoubtedly have a positive impact on the Ball 4 All programme, enabling it to continue its valuable work with local youth. As the organization continues to demonstrate its commitment to supporting the community, the future looks promising for the development of youth through sports and mentorship in Guelph and its surrounding areas.