Community Support
Did you know?
Canadians claimed $11.4 billion in donations in 2022, down from $11.8 billion the year before, representing a 9.3% inflation-adjusted decline in giving. (Imagine Canada)
People are volunteering with nonprofits less — by 9% — and they are volunteering fewer hours. (Volunteer Toronto/Statistics Canada)
From 2018 to 2022, Toronto has lost 300,000 donors and 300,000 volunteers based on a 12% drop in donation and volunteer rates. (Toronto Foundation)
Who cares?
You do.
Tough times may be taking a toll on people’s ability to contribute time or money to creating a better community for all. But at United Way we’ve been fortunate to count on committed and continuing support. We see it in our donors — from those giving in workplaces to those scaling the heights of the CN Tower. And we feel it from our volunteers, whether they’re leading employee campaigns or sharing their personal story through our Speakers Bureau. All of these contributions are absolutely essential to our work.
For over 15 years, Women United has established a legacy of giving — one rooted in the shared belief that when we lift women up, we strengthen families and neighbourhoods across our region. Together this community of like-minded champions drives change through their collective generosity in support of United Way’s $10 million investment in programs designed specifically by and for women. From employment and housing to food and wraparound supports, to gender-based violence counselling and legal advice, these programs and supports can be transformative. They build safety, stability and opportunity. Last year, Women United increased their collective financial support by over 40%, raising $1.9 million. A clear demonstration that philanthropy is hope in action.
Since the beginning, Labour has been a natural partner in our work, sharing a fierce commitment to social justice. With good jobs and opportunities increasingly out of reach for so many, we make common cause in building community benefits into large public infrastructure projects, designing career pathways for better futures and strengthening the social safety net. This vital relationship continues to be nurtured by new generations of leadership. United Way remains Labour’s charity of choice, championed annually at the Presidents’ Breakfast campaign launch and every day with union volunteers steering our Board of Trustees and Campaign Cabinet.
"In 1982, Labour Community Services was formed by the partnership between Toronto & York Region Labour Council and United Way Greater Toronto. It goes without saying that this partnership encompasses a community of activists from the Labour Movement and all across the GTA, who roll up their sleeves to do what they can, any way they can, to improve people's lives each day. United Way is part of the Labour Movement. From the Canadian Labour Congress and United Way Centraide partnership to the many Labour Community Services throughout Canada formed to carry out the work of the partnership, we are all connected and understand that this work is essential to building stronger communities so people can thrive." Andrea Babbington, President, Toronto & York Region Labour Council
United Way ClimbUP is our annual signature fundraising event, where participants climb the iconic CN Tower. It’s also a massive love-in for the GTA with volunteers, donors and sponsors all rubbing shoulders in the name of community. Last year was no different, with a good time had by all and a record-breaking $2 million raised to fight local poverty and build a stronger, more equitable GTA.
Reasons to Hope
85,000
donors giving across Peel, Toronto and York
1,200
workplaces running UWGT employee giving campaigns
1,675
care kits packed by volunteers for neighbours in need
450
volunteer days and neighbourhood tours