Building stronger communities

When Eugene Atangan immigrated with his family to Canada from the Philippines in 1989, community settlement programs helped them lay down roots here. That warm welcome they received is one of the reasons he gives generously to United Way Greater Toronto today.??

“I want to be one of the many helping hands that support members of our community and give them the same opportunities and second chances we were given,” he says.??

“Just like United Way, we believe everyone deserves to be given opportunities to live a good life, regardless of social identity and income.”?

Eugene credits his late father for teaching him the importance of hard work, perseverance and giving back.??

“My father had humble beginnings as the son of a farmer and he worked his way through university without buying one single textbook because he could not afford them,” he says. “I wonder how his life would have changed had youth development programs been available to him,” Eugene says.??

“Having a support network nearby goes a long way in helping promote mental and physical wellbeing,” he says. “Connecting people locally and encouraging participation empowers community members to look for and implement solutions together. No one should ever feel that they are alone.”?