United Way of Saskatoon faces budget shortfall

A Saskatoon charity is feeling the pinch of a tougher economy.

The United Way of Saskatoon and Area has cut seven jobs in the last two years. The organization will now review its budget line-by-line after a drop in donations left it $1 million short.

United Way Saskatoon CEO Shaun Dyer said the shortfall comes at a challenging time.

“For the people who use programs and services that we support, the need goes up in difficult economic times,” he said.

Dyer said the organization would not consider taking out a loan to cover the gap.

“Our donors want to see their gifts going to supporting services and programs, not serving debt,” Dyer said.

Community partners will still be fully funded, but some key programs wll be impacted.

This includes the United Way’s flagship program helping homeless people move into homes.

—With files from Daniella Ponticelli