Share the impact that donations have on real lives with stories and videos from our community.
Use these videos and stories at campaign events, to inspire others to give, to thank donors and to learn more about the difference you make possible.
Carleen’s Story
Carleen once relied on a United Way-supported program to rebuild her life after housing instability and an abusive relationship. Today, she volunteers with that same program — celebrating her 60th birthday by bringing together others striving for the fresh start she once found.
Caring for his daughter Bernice, who lives with a rare genetic condition, is a full-time role for Ivan. A United Way-funded caregiver network helped him navigate a confusing system and find the community and respite his family needed.
After years of addiction and homelessness, Ted found stability in recovery — but food security remained out of reach. A United Way-funded meal program eased that daily pressure, giving him room to reconnect with art, community and himself.
When Zafeer signed up for a United Way-funded program that helps people with disabilities become entrepreneurs, he didn’t know he’d end up discovering his passion for photography.
Rakhee didn’t know how to translate her skills and experience to the Canadian job market. A United Way-supported program gave her the confidence and training she needed to build a stable future.
At the end of the month, Anna had only $50 left after rent was paid. That’s when she found United Way-funded York Region Food Network (YRFN), a place for immediate food support, belonging and purpose.
Stable homes are the foundation for everything else. Vertex was living in a shelter when he connected to a United Way-supported agency that helped him find navigate the system, gain employment and find safe housing.
After experiencing gender-based violence, a United Way-supported women’s program helped Piera heal from emotional abuse and sparked a desire to support others on their journey
After receiving a cancer diagnosis, Boafo grappled with the news alone. Then, he found a United Way-supported agency that connected him to community, housing and the wraparound services he needed to thrive.
Racialized communities | Seniors | Housing and homelessness
Leaders of equity-deserving agencies share how United Way’s stable, multi-year Anchor Agency funding is helping them serve their communities, build capacity and drive lasting change across the GTA.
Fighting hunger takes more than food. Geraldine, Executive Director of Caledon Community Services, shares the unique challenges of food insecurity in rural areas. Here’s how we’re tackling the root causes of food insecurity across the GTA with a community-first approach.
Akeel was in crisis. But a moment of darkness, he was connected to a United Way-funded agency that helped him find the mental health supports, stability and hope he needed to thrive.
At United Way Greater Toronto, we know that solving poverty and its interconnected issues requires collective action. That’s why we lead Community Coordination Tables, bringing together more than 500 organizations across the GTA to tackle pressing challenges head-on.
Serpil was 15 years old and about to enter the shelter system. Then she found a United Way-funded agency that gave her the stability and security she needed to thrive.
Housing and homelessness |Mental health | Children and youth
United Way is partnering with Victor, Executive Director of PARC, and Beryl-Ann, a Community Development Peer Worker with West Neighbourhood House, to ensure the residents of Toronto’s Parkdale have affordable places to live.
Community gardens are a key part of United Way’s work fighting hunger in our communities. Britt, Executive Director of Ecosource, shares how gardens foster connection and inclusion while giving people more agency over their food.
Child Development Institute and Strides, two United Way supported agencies, discuss youth mental health and how parents and caregivers can help support their children.
To promote your United Way campaign, use the images below as visual assets to talk about our work in the community and how each of us can help make a difference in the lives of others.
Captions for the images are included in each of the packages.
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