The OCDSB and United Way East Ontario have a shared belief - that every child and youth deserves the chance to have a great life, no matter where in Ottawa they grow up.
United Way researches the issues in our community and understands the diverse challenges facing all 107 Ottawa neighbourhoods. United Way, through its three focus areas - All That Kids Can Be, From Poverty to Possibility, and Healthy People, Strong Communities - provides support across the societal spectrum.
In 2020, United Way’s revealed these statistics:
- In Ottawa’s most vulnerable neighbourhoods, up to 40% of children enter school without the proper foundation for learning.
- On average, only 68% of youth in vulnerable Ottawa neighbourhoods graduate from high school (in some neighbourhoods as low as 50%) compared to 90% for the rest of the city.
- One in five kids struggle with their mental health.
- One in seven Ontario students report symptoms of a drug use problem.
- The mortality rate for a homeless youth is 40 times that of a young person living at home.
United Way, through its efforts, is aiming to bring about lasting social change that will help these vulnerable kids. At the OCDSB, we’re committed to building a Culture of Caring and Social Responsibility. OCDSB’s partnership with United Way is supported by these pillars of our Strategic Plan.
We ask that you consider giving to United Way. Your donation remains 100% local, and the local programs and initiatives United Way invests in ensure kids are ready to learn and provide children and youth with a safe place to go outside of school hours.
You can make a donation through payroll deduction, credit card or by making a one-time gift. You can make your donation online or using a paper form. You can direct some or all of your donation to the Education Foundation of Ottawa. Cathy Nevins Memorial Fund is also another option you may want to consider. Both of these funds give directly back to the students in OCDSB schools.
Here are detailed instructions to help you with making a donation.
To donate, visit the links below:
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