Editor's Picks

This week, we reflect on growing financial anxiety and the programs and partners that help people meet urgent needs in times of crisis.

Registration is now open for the 2026 United Way Greater Toronto CN Tower climb which will be held on November 14 and 15. United Way is inviting people from all walks of life, and every fitness level to step up and be connected to a bigger movement - all in support of communities across Peel, Toronto and York region. Last year’s ClimbUP raised a record-breaking $2 million, helping 1.8 million people across the GTA access vital services through our network of over 300 agencies.

This week, we reflect on welcoming spaces for 2SLGBTQIA+ people, creating local solutions to local challenges and supporting jobs for youth.

When United Way Greater Toronto’s President & CEO Heather McDonald appeared before the Council of the Regional Municipality of Peel, she spoke about the challenges facing residents. Her answer was collaboration.

This week, we reflect on how our Community Real Estate Capital Grants are helping to add new community spaces and upgrade existing facilities. We're also exploring employment programs for people with disabilities, our work in Thorncliffe Park and an award-winning participant from the ILEO Storefront Starter program.

This week, we reflect on how collaboration fosters safe communities, meaningful work, a new respite care centre and an upcoming opportunity to see our work in action at Jane's Walk.

This week, we reflect on what needs to happen to support women, a new housing initiative and our latest report on the impact of funding cuts on immigrants and refugees.

Across the GTA, more and more families are turning to food banks. But food insecurity is only one piece of a much larger puzzle. Solving it means addressing poverty itself. 

This week we explore Toronto’s mental health crisis, how Community Action Grants are driving resident-led change across the GTA, and how United Ways are having their say in Ontario’s next Poverty Reduction Strategy.

This week we reflect on how winter amplifies challenges, how our Community Real Estate Initiative is already helping local agencies, and the success of the Social Medicine Initiative and our Youth Success Strategy.

Increased development and upcoming revitalization projects in Cooksville, South Markham and Jane Finch are creating major changes and challenges across these neighbourhoods. To ensure equitable opportunities, United Way Greater Toronto is expanding its Community Action Grants (CAG) program with a $1.13 million investment to support local priorities in each neighbourhood.

Over four million Ontarians are food insecure. In 2024, more than one million Ontarians relied on food banks, making 8.7 million visits. The $10 million gift from the Slaight family will support six organizations working to keep communities fed including: Daily Bread Food Bank, Food Banks Canada, Right to Food, Second Harvest, The Stop Community Food Centre and United Way Greater Toronto. Working through their local, regional and national networks, these organizations will help make sure food reaches people and neighbourhoods facing the greatest pressure and will strengthen the broader response to hunger.