Dear Friend,
Winter has a way of wearing people down. Shorter days and frigid temperatures make it harder to stay connected and hopeful. But for many in our community, the struggle didn’t start with the season.
New findings from ThriveTO’s first mental health report card show a troubling shift: between 2015 and 2022, the share of Torontonians who say they have good mental health dropped from 73% to 52%. Financial pressure, work stress and lingering impacts of the pandemic are taking a toll — especially on young people, with many experiencing deep loneliness.
Mental well-being isn’t shaped by one thing alone. It’s connected to whether people can meet basic needs, feel a sense of belonging and know where to turn when times get tough. That support matters year-round, especially in winter, when isolation and sadness can feel heavier.
This is where United Way, and supporters like you, make a real difference. Together, we’re strengthening access to mental health services and investing in community programs that support stable housing, decent work and opportunities for youth to connect and build confidence. These efforts help people feel secure and hopeful — something everyone deserves.
Thank you for being there for your neighbours and reminding them that help is always close to home.
With sincere appreciation for your support,
Alka Graham
Director, Donor Experience
United Way Greater Toronto
Your support in action
Connecting people in crisis to the support they need
When Akeel arrived in Canada after fleeing political unrest in Sri Lanka, he was struggling with depression, hallucinations and the stress of unemployment, isolation and delayed paperwork. During a mental health crisis, he was hospitalized and connected to CMHA Toronto, a United Way-funded agency. With the steady, compassionate support of his case worker Christella, Akeel found stability, community and hope. For the first time in a long time, he is feeling happier and more hopeful — proof that timely, coordinated support can change lives. Read Akeel’s story.
Community Action Grants put change in residents’ hands
Because of you, residents across the GTA are turning local priorities into real change. United Way Greater Toronto has announced $1.13 million in Community Action Grants, supporting 28 resident-led projects across Peel, Toronto and York Region. These initiatives respond directly to what communities say they need most — from food security and mental health to housing stability, economic opportunity and youth engagement. In Cooksville, one project will help newcomers build digital skills and access meaningful work. Another in South Markham will provide culturally relevant mental wellness services for seniors. In Jane Finch, an intergenerational meal program will bring neighbours together. Read more on how we’re empowering residents to steer their own neighbourhoods towards a brighter future.
What’s behind Toronto’s mental health decline — and what helps
A new report from ThriveTO — a coalition of mental health leaders including United Way Greater Toronto — shows a steep drop in the mental health of Torontonians. Between 2015 and 2022, the share of people reporting good mental health fell from 73% to 52%, with young people, 2SLGBTQIA+ communities and those facing discrimination especially affected. Grounded in what people say they need most, the report shares ways we can make things better, from fostering connection at school and work to promoting healthier workplaces with financial stability and social participation. With your support, United Way is helping turn these insights into action. Read the full report to learn more.
United Ways push for action in Ontario’s Poverty Reduction Strategy
Ontario United Ways are coming together to share recommendations with the provincial government as it develops its 2025–2030 Poverty Reduction Strategy. We’re calling for clear, practical actions to create good jobs and financial security, expand non-market affordable housing, and protect the community services people rely on every day — all essential building blocks for a brighter future where poverty has no home. The urgency is real: poverty is rising faster in Ontario than anywhere else in Canada, and 1.9 million Ontarians can’t afford the basics. With deep community roots, United Ways are ready to work alongside the province to help make this strategy count.
IN COMMUNITY, WITH COMMUNITY
Join us for a free online lunch-hour panel exploring the real-world challenges women face at work and the practical, community-driven strategies helping them thrive. Register now for Diving Deeper: Investing in Women, Strengthening Communities on March 4!
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.
Looking for a fun way to give back this March Break? Enjoy an afternoon of hockey at the Brampton Steelheads Community Day in support of United Way Greater Toronto. Use code UNITEDWAY2025 for discounted tickets to the March 17 afternoon game. A portion of ticket sales will be donated to help fight local poverty!
Building community takes community.
With your support, we will build a GTA where everyone has what they need to thrive.
Any way we can.
Learn more about our work. Subscribe to our newsletter to receive regular updates about how your local love is making a difference across the GTA.