United Way Niagara is proud to recognize a $60,000 corporate gift from General Motors (GM) Canada, part of a broader philanthropic commitment to support multiple charities across the Niagara region. Through GM’s Plant City Grant Program, five local organizations have received a total of $100,000 in funding to advance initiatives and ensure brighter futures for so many in Niagara.
This vital support comes at a critical time as Niagara communities face increasingly complex challenges. With GM Canada’s help, United Way Niagara and four other incredible community organizations can continue their work to uplift and empower the most vulnerable members of the community. The total contributions include:
- $5,000 to Distress Centre Niagara
- $10,000 to Niagara Nutrition Partners
- $10,000 to Gillian’s Place
- $15,000 to Habitat for Humanity Niagara
- $60,000 to United Way Niagara
“Supporting these five charities reflects our commitment to building a stronger community and a brighter future. We’re proud to give back, helping create opportunities, uplift neighbors, and drive positive change beyond our plant walls.” – Tara Wasik, Plant Director
Through their strategic partnerships, GM Canada continually demonstrates its commitment to driving social progress and ensuring that the communities they operate in thrive. “These funds will allow us to continue supporting families in need, tackling food insecurity, improving housing stability, and empowering those affected by violence and hardship,” said Frances Hallworth, CEO of United Way Niagara. “We are deeply grateful for GM’s loyal support, which enables us to push forward with long-term, impactful change.”
The combined contributions from GM Canada to local Niagara charities reinforce the importance of corporate responsibility in building strong, resilient communities.
“This donation has created more than just full plates – it’s created full hearts and focused minds,” said Jessica Stephenson, Program Manager at Niagara Nutrition Partners.” Thanks to General Motors, our students come to school ready to learn, knowing they are cared for. A simple breakfast may seem small, but for our kids, it’s the difference between a distracted morning and a day of possibilities.”
“The generosity of General Motors Plant City Grant program really makes a difference in helping Habitat for Humanity Niagara achieve its goals,” said Mark Carl, CEO of Habitat for Humanity Niagara. “These funds will support the construction of a multi-residential six townhouse build in Welland next year, serving the growing demand for affordable housing in our region.
The impact of a larger scale build yields a higher impact on families and our community, helping more families build strength, stability and independence through affordable homeownership.” “Gillian’s Place extends our heartfelt thanks to General Motors for their continued support of our life-changing and lifesaving work. As intimate partner violence has been declared an epidemic in Niagara, there has never been a greater need for collective attention and generosity to ensure survivors have the support they need and deserve”. Graeme Dargavel, Director of Development & Communications.
“Distress Centre Niagara is grateful to General Motors for their very generous donation to our 24-hour crisis program. The funding will assist us in recruiting additional responders and providing advanced training to address the intensified emotional needs of our community members. Distress Centre callers, volunteers, board and staff are thankful!” – Stacy Terry, Executive Director of Distress Centre Niagara.
About United Way Niagara
United Way Niagara exists to support the most vulnerable people, when and where they need it, by investing in life-changing programs that strengthen the social safety net and build capacity in Niagara. We face poverty head on, addressing the interconnected issues it causes every day; homelessness, food insecurity, isolation, mental health and addiction. United, we address the challenges of today – meeting basic, urgent needs – while building a stronger community for everyone who lives here, paving the way for a better tomorrow. In 2023, UWN invested in 151 high-impact programs through 83 agency and community partners.
