United Way Niagara (UWN) has set a goal of raising more than $5.2 million to support the thousands of people across the region who are facing challenges posed by the high cost of living and persistent issue of poverty.

UWN plays a vital role in supporting the region’s social safety net by funding programs that often serve as a lifeline for residents. As one of the largest non-government funders of social services in Niagara, UWN is witnessing an unprecedented rise in demand and urgently needs more support to meet these growing needs.

“Our partner agencies are facing an overwhelming surge in demand across all services. We’re seeing increased food bank usage, overcrowded emergency and gender-based violence shelters, more overdoses, and a rise in mental health crisis calls—the list goes on. United Way provides stable, multi-year funding to programs that serve so many, but the need is greater than ever. Our agencies rely on us, and we, in turn, rely on the community’s support,” said Frances Hallworth, CEO of United Way Niagara. “We continue working with our partners to strengthen the social safety net. Now, more than ever, it’s critical to support the long-term solutions that make a real impact.”

Last year, UWN investments supported more than 160,000 residents in Niagara – about 1 in 3 of our population – helping individuals and families with a range of needs from food security to mental health to housing stability and more.

Returning Campaign Chair Brad Steeves shared, “A successful campaign is crucial. It’s about investing in our neighbors and neighborhoods. At the end of the day, we all want the same thing for our families and communities—the opportunity to thrive. United Way helps provide those opportunities that families might not have otherwise. I encourage everyone to participate this year and give what you can. Every dollar makes a difference and has the power to change someone’s life.”

The campaign goal was announced at UWN’s third annual firetruck pull event on September 10. The event, presented by John Deere, raised over $25,000 to kick-start the campaign.

Donation Matches for 2024

For new donors: United Way is thrilled to welcome Root Bissonnette Walker LLP (RBW) as this year’s New Donor Match sponsor. RBW will match any and all new donations dollar-for-dollar up to $25,000.

For returning donors: United Way is also pleased to announce that any returning donor who increases their support by 10% or more this year will have the value of the increase matched by a generous anonymous donor up to $50,000.

Members of the public are encouraged to learn more and contribute to the campaign at www.unitedwayniagara.org.

About United Way: 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.