Once again, Toronto Star employees have surpassed their goal.

This year, the Star’s fundraising campaign for the United Way of Toronto and York Region hoped to raise $90,000. The end result was more than $117,000, plus a corporate donation of an additional $40,000.

The contribution marks the continuation of a 61-year partnership between Torstar and United Way, said Torstar president and chief executive officer John Boynton during the announcement on Monday morning.

“This is a really important part of the equation for us,” Boynton said. “It means a lot to us as we both try to effect and make change in the GTA.”

Daniele Zanotti, president and CEO of United Way of Toronto and York Region, also celebrated the partnership. “It’s so heartening that the one thing that has not changed here is your soul and your commitment to people,” he said.

Last week, the United Way released a report that showed the Toronto has become what Zanotti called “the income-inequality capital of Canada.”

The report analyzed recent census data and found that poverty is deepening in the city and spreading to regions like Peel, where for the first time a majority of neighbourhoods are low-income.

Contributions like the Star’s are important, said Zanotti, because they aid in the slow and steady impact of transformation in these communities.

“There is no app for caring for each other,” said Zanotti. “It is messy and slow…it’s why you give at the Toronto Star.”