Dear Friend,
Recently, I’ve been reflecting on what 2025 has meant for our region and on the remarkable community of supporters and volunteers who stand with us. This year brought real challenges: Rising costs, stretched families and increased pressure on essential services. But whenever I’m out in the community, I’m reminded that even in difficult times, people show up for each other.
In Community Hubs, boardrooms and neighbourhood spaces, I’ve met people with different stories and circumstances. Yet there’s a common thread: a deep desire to care for others. Last week, at a women’s centre, I met a survivor who shared how United Way services didn’t just save her life — they helped her rebuild. She found hope she once thought was lost. Now, she’s paying it forward, offering comfort and understanding to other women at the centre walking a similar path.
Her strength shows what’s possible when we stand united: people don’t just survive, they rise, and lift others with them. With you, we connect 1.8 million people across the GTA each year to meals, mental health supports, safe housing and good jobs.
If you’ve already given this year, thank you. If you’re able to donate, please consider making a gift before Dec. 31. All donations will be matched, so you can double your impact, and are eligible for tax credits.
As we look ahead to 2026, I’m inspired by what we can continue to accomplish together. Every act of care and every donation is creating a stronger region where more people, like the woman I met, can show up not just for themselves, but for each other.
With gratitude to you,
Nicole McVan (they/them)
Vice President, Philanthropy
United Way Greater Toronto
Your support in action
Equity-deserving agencies are leading change with United Way funding
Poverty disproportionately impacts Indigenous, Black, racialized and other equity-deserving communities. Fighting poverty means also fighting inequities and removing barriers that hold people back. One way your support makes this possible is through stable investments in agencies led by and serving equity-deserving communities. These organizations deliver culturally responsive supports that best bridge those gaps. We spoke with 10 leaders of the newest equity-deserving organizations receiving United Way Anchor funding. Hear in their own words how this flexible five-year support is helping them expand programs, launch new projects and strengthen their work building a more equitable GTA.
What it really takes to build a fair food system
At Diving Deeper: Let’s Talk Food Security, experts from Toronto Metropolitan University and United Way-funded agencies North York Harvest Food Bank and Malvern Family Resource Centre shared what rising food insecurity looks like in their communities. They highlighted community-driven supports — from urban farming to food-prescription programs — that meet food needs for the people they serve with dignity and without compromise. And they were clear: tackling hunger means addressing its root causes, like income insecurity, unaffordable housing and discrimination. With your support, United Way brings residents, local agencies and government together for a concerted response against those challenges. Watch the panel recording.
Holiday gifts that give back to community
Shopping for something special? There’s still a chance to shop gifts that help build a better GTA. Our Local Gift Guide features unique products and services from United Way-supported entrepreneurs, social enterprises and community programs, each with its own story. From moms launching businesses to youth gaining job skills, every item reflects the power of community support in action. You can also check out the ILEO Storefront Starter Catalogue for more great products. By choosing one of these gifts, you’re not only spreading joy — you’re investing in initiatives that create financial stability, health and connection.
IN COMMUNITY, WITH COMMUNITY
Double your impact today! Thanks to a generous anonymous donor, gifts to United Way Greater Toronto made before Dec. 31 will be matched dollar for dollar*. Donate today to make your support go further for families hit hard by rising costs.
Thank you to every climber, volunteer and sponsor who stepped up at United Way ClimbUP last month! With both days sold out, you helped raise over $1.7M to fight local poverty. Want in for ClimbUP 2026? Get notified when registration opens and secure your spot early!
Become a United Way member and play an essential role in our fight against poverty. Members vote on key appointments and business, review financial statements and hear updates at our Annual Meeting of the Members. Interested? Apply before March 2, 2026.
| *The match applies to one-time gifts made to United Way Greater Toronto before Dec. 31, 2025, up to a total of $350,000. It does not apply to gifts made to other registered charities. |
Building community takes community.
With your support, we will build a GTA where everyone has what they need to thrive. Any way we can.
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