United Way East Ontario is aiming to raise more than $21 million this year and supporters across our region are rallying together to help us make change, together.
It all started with A Good Morning:
On September 29, more than 370 workplace champions, philanthropists, community members, and community leaders came together at the Infinity Convention Centre in Ottawa, to talk about building a stronger, healthier, and safer East Ontario.
There, the audience heard from David, who had been caring for his late wife who had been living with dementia. He said their lives changed when they found programming, powered by United Way, at Rural Ottawa South Support Services.
“We had good days on our own, but many days it was challenging. Coming to ROSSS, I knew that at least twice a week we were guaranteed to have great days,” he explained.
The room also listened to Jessica.
Check out coverage of A Good Morning with United Way from Caroline in the Capital and the Ottawa Citizen’s Social Scene.
“In the weeks after my girlfriend died by suicide, I recognized I needed support in managing my grief,” she said. “I was especially concerned about how I would continue to care for my then-two-year-old daughter as a solo parent while dealing with the complex rollercoaster of emotions that come with being a survivor of suicide loss.”
Jessica talked about finding United Way-fueled services that connected her with low-cost mental health counselling virtually and in-person, to strengthen her wellbeing.
Finally, Mohamed Sofa spoke. As the Executive Director of Britannia Woods Community Services and long-time partner of United Way, he talked about how we work together to provide culturally responsive programming for local families.
Following this event, teams of United Way staff and volunteers then popped up outside of our offices in Pembroke on October 8, in Hawkesbury on October 15, and at Equator Coffee Roasters in Almonte on October 20, to spend time with our community over a morning coffee and a light snack.
United, we can be a force for good
“No one group or organization can solve these problems by themselves, and that’s what makes United Way so important. These 'Good Morning' events were such a great opportunity to thank the people that we work alongside every day. Their generosity, partnership, and belief that our communities are better when we work together is what makes it possible for us to affect real, meaningful, positive change.” - Rachael Wilson, President and CEO, United Way East Ontario
When things feel uncertain, donor support helps United Way East Ontario bring caring people and strong local programs together.
“Our work is about much more than the dollars and cents,” said Rachael. “Last year, thanks to our generous donors and caring communities, we helped support nearly 90,000 people across the region.”
Together, we make sure people can find the support they need when life gets difficult. We create opportunities for people to build brighter futures. And most importantly, we ensure that when someone reaches out for help, they don’t just find a service—they find a community ready to stand beside them.
A ‘good morning’ looks different for everyone across our communities, but we believe that together we can create more of them for the people who need us.
Join us. United we can meet urgent community needs – together.
