A $15-million donation from the Slaight Family Foundation is the largest individual gift in United Way’s history.
The Allan Slaight Seniors Fund connects vulnerable seniors with community support. The goal is to help them remain in their own homes.
It will also help them to continue to be active participants in their neighbourhoods.
The fund fills the gap between the healthcare system and families by connecting seniors to United Way’s community agencies.
This donation will consist of payments over six years. It will focus on seniors with difficulty accessing health and social services.
United Way’s network of social, recreation and peer programs aim to reduce senior isolation.
Outreach programs help seniors navigate the health and community services they need to stay healthy and engaged. The fund makes it easier to access supports by coordinating programs, and integrating services.
“The Slaight family are game-changers,” said Daniele Zanotti, president and CEO of United Way Greater Toronto. “This trailblazing gift from the Slaight Family Foundation is helping the GTA reimagine how we can support and empower seniors to remain active, vibrant and connected in their communities.”
The donation builds on Allan Slaight’s legacy of giving and community service.
In 1979 he began volunteering with the United Way Greater Toronto Board of Directors.
As chair of the 1985 United Way campaign, Slaight and the organization broke records. The organization also had the highest year over year increase in United Way’s history.
“More than anything, this gift honours my Dad,” said Gary Slaight of the Slaight Family Foundation. “His commitment to United Way’s mission to create opportunities and connection for everyone has always been important to our family. We think there is much more to be to be done to take care of the elderly in Toronto and we believe that the solution starts with community. The Slaight Family Foundation is pleased to honour Allan’s history and commitment to the work of the United Way with the creation of the Allan Slaight Seniors Fund.”
Seniors are the fastest growing age group in Ontario. The senior population is expected to double by 2041.
Today, 34 per cent of the province’s seniors call the GTA home.
“Seniors have so much to give to their communities. But the reality is also that aging can be a difficult transition for people and their families,” said Ruth Crammond, Vice President, Community Investment & Development, United Way Greater Toronto. “And it’s even harder for vulnerable seniors and their families – navigating how to find support for the first time, communicating in a different language, or trying to get by on a low income. The Allan Slaight Seniors Fund will wrap seniors and their families with the support of community.”
