An aging workforce and younger employees who aren't yet financially secure are being cited as reasons for a fundraising shortfall by the United Way of London and Middlesex.
The organization's annual fundraising campaign brought in $9.1-million, slightly less than the $9.17-million it had hoped to raise. It's the first time is roughly ten years the United Way hasn't reached its projected figure.
"We are essentially flat year-over-year from last year," said Kelly Ziegner, CEO of the United Way of London and Middlesex. "Always we would love to have some growth because that means more investment in our community. We were flat but we are a healthy organization and that means we are able to continue to invest in more than 80 programs and services in the community."
The total amount raised during the 2016 campaign was announced on Monday at the London Lightning game at Budweiser Gardens.
Ziegner believes the campaign is being hurt as older employees retire and leave the workforce.
"United Way is very connected to workplace giving and so as people age out of the work place and retire we know there is a big demographic shift happening," said Ziegner. "Those donations are falling off and conversely we have younger workers who are entering the workforce who are not giving at those same levels."
As a way of engage the emerging generation of workers, the organization is continuing with its GenNext program with an event on planned for Thursday.
"We are getting them involved with volunteering and connecting them with the community so they can see the impact giving will have when they are financially able to donate," said Ziegner.