How we work
United Way South Australia employs a number of methods to help those most
in need in our community. United Way’s major focus is raising funds
for distribution to charities and community groups through its Community Chest
via the United Way Annual Grants. In this way, United Way allows the individual
care agencies to spend less of their resources on administration and fundraising
and put more of their time and money into helping those in need.
Since 1887, United Way is the original and the leader in utilising Workplace
Giving (payroll donation) for raising funds for charitable purposes.
Workplace Giving to United Way SA is philanthropy in its purest form. Every
dollar given is a dollar of difference for the community and for those in
need. United Way South Australia guarantees that 100% of Workplace Giving
donations go to the community.
Over 4,000 United Ways in 46 countries across the world utilize this effective
and safe giving mechanism. In the USA alone, United Way distributes in excess
of US$4billion through this method. In Australia, the 10 United Way members
distribute over $7million annually.
Companies which join United Way’s Workplace Giving partnership may also
benefit from other United Way Corporate Connect programs. Corporate Volunteering,
Seeing is Believing, and Corporate Gift Management are just three of the many
services and advice United Way can offer businesses to assist to connect them
with the community.
Utilizing the Experience of Volunteers
In line with our purpose of building better communities, United Way is a volunteer
based organisation. United Way achieves much of its success from the dedication
and commitment of volunteer workers. United Way’s Eyes Down Bingo and
all Instant Bingo Ticket booths are staffed by volunteer workers. Volunteers
also assist in the United Way office and to organize United Way events, raffles
and some services. To become a volunteer for United Way, please contact the
office.
Eyes Down Bingo
United Way SA conducts Eyes Down Bingo sessions at the United Way Hall at
the Elizabeth Shopping Centre, with the purpose of generating more charity
dollars for South Australian charities and community based not-for-profits.
Through this fundraising initiative United Way SA and the United Way Volunteers
Associations injects a further $60,000+ into the community annually.
Instant Bingo Ticket Booths
United Way SA currently manages four Instant Bingo Ticket sales booths located
at Munno Para Shopping Centre, Elizabeth Shopping Centre, Stockland Parabanks
Shopping Centre and Hollywood Plaza Shopping Centre. The booths are run by
volunteers ensuring all proceeds are used to support United Way’s work
and distribution.
The Elizabeth Shopping Centre booth is used by non-profit community groups
which participate in selling tickets and receive a donation for their participation.
United Way Community Raffle.
United Way SA runs a community raffle each year organizing prizes and all
administration. Any non-profit community group may apply to sell these raffle
tickets and in return receive donations equivalent to 50% of the value of
tickets sold.
In Kind Donations
In recent years, United Way SA has received donations of significant quantities
of office equipment, computers in particular, which in turn are distributed
to community groups and service agencies. Many groups are in need of basic
computer equipment and appreciate pre-loved and reconditioned equipment. Each
year local residents and businesses alike donate a large number of Christmas
presents for distribution by United Way to those most in need.
Christmas Gifts
United Way’s corporate
partners work with United Way to ensure disadvantaged children of all ages
receive something at Christmas. United Way works with welfare agencies who
provide basic information of identified children and youth who would otherwise
not enjoy the spirit of Christmas. Tags with gender, age and interest details
of individuals are presented on corporate Giving Trees where employees can
be assured that their genuine gift is received by the appropriate person.
United Way then delivers these presents to the welfare agencies for distribution
to families.
Our
Corporate Sponsors - more
about corporate sponsorship
