Over the past year, we have all witnessed firsthand the impact of the economic slowdown. Given the challenging economic environment, it comes as no surprise that this year will likely be one of the toughest for thousands of people in Toronto. Already, United Way’s many agencies are seeing significant increases in the demand from people who have lost their jobs, need help, and have nowhere else to turn. If you are like many of the young professionals and emerging leaders in Toronto, you are undoubtedly concerned about how the challenging economic environment is impacting the most vulnerable members of our city, and want to do something to help. By becoming a GenNext Leader you will be joining a network of over 1200 of Toronto’s most promising young professionals who are not only passionate about philanthropy but understand how their annual investment of $1,000 or more to the United Way makes a direct impact in improving lives in Toronto. In the words of United Way Toronto CEO and President Frances Lankin, “When you become a GenNext Leader, you really walk the talk. It’s one of the most significant things you can do to help build a better future for our city. Your support will enable United Way to meet urgent human needs across the city every day — but each dollar goes even further, helping support long-term strategies aimed at addressing the root causes of social issues before they become problems in the first place.” If you are interested in joining other young professionals like yourself, then I invite you to invest in your city and become a GenNext Leader.