(Photo: United Way of Peel Region)

The 48th annual United Way campaign kicked off Friday with an ambitious fundraising goal of $12.2 million.

Forty-five per cent of Peel’s neighbourhoods are considered low income, said president and CEO Shelley White.

“Many residents would be classified as ‘working poor’ – people who have jobs, but not enough money to live on after paying rent,” White said.

The result: Struggling to pay for food, clothing, transportation, school supplies and medical expenses.

“No one should have to worry about where their next meal is coming from, where shelter will come from. By working together we can ensure that all people, at all times, have access to these necessities of life and ultimately end poverty in our community,” said White.

More than 300 people gathered at the Mississauga Valley community centre, bringing donations of fresh food and hygiene products.

Truckloads of food were collected and distributed to front line serving organizations.

The kick off was led by 2015 campaign chair and senior vice-president of payment at TD Bank Chuck Hounsell, board chairman John Russo, and White.

“Remember – give where you live,” said Russo.

The campaign wraps December 31.

Goals, Numbers, Dollars:
– Impacted more than 187,000 lives in 2014-15
– Mobilized more than 3,200 volunteers across Brampton, Caledon and Mississauga
– Intending to raise $12.2-million in 2015-16
(Source: United Way of Peel)

-Kelly Roche

@qewsouthpost