York Cares United Way Campaign kicks off
Every year, the York University community comes together to support United Way Greater Toronto, partnering with 300 local agencies to combat poverty and meet the urgent needs of our neighbours, providing essential services like food, shelter, and mental health support.
Since 1956, United Way has been working with community champions to create long-lasting impact. Each year, over 85,000 donors, 2,200+ volunteers and 900+ workplaces come together to fight poverty and build a stronger GTA for all.
As our region continues to undergo significant development and transformation, people across the GTA are at serious risk of being displaced, excluded or left behind. In the face of rising cost, and with less than 15 per cent of our agencies owning their own space, the vital services and programs these neighbourhoods rely on are in danger of disappearing, despite growing demand.
As our community faces multiple challenges, including skyrocketing housing, food and living costs, too many are struggling to make ends meet. In the GTA, 1 in 4 people are living in poverty. People are being forced to make difficult decisions and are uncertain about the future ahead.
This year’s York Cares United Way Campaign will take place from November 5 to 30, with the goal of raising $150,000 to support our local communities. At York, we are a community of changemakers committed to creating a positive impact for both our students and the communities around us. This campaign is a key example of how we embody our mission to Right the Future. Staff, faculty, and instructors are the driving force behind this workplace initiative, and they can expect to receive weekly emails with their personalized giving link throughout the campaign.
But together, with grit and determination, we will help meet the challenges of today and build a stronger GTA now and for tomorrow. Any way we can.
York University has partnerships with many United Way-funded agencies, where some of York’s students have completed internships, placements and have accepted employment. These agencies include:
- 360°kids
- Abrigo Centre
- Access Alliance Multicultural Health and Community Services
- Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) - Toronto
- Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) - York-Simcoe
- Centre for Immigrant and Community Services
- Community Living York South
- COSTI Immigrant Services
- Davenport-Perth Neighbourhood and Community Health Centre
- Dixie Bloor Neighbourhood Centre
- Embrave Agency to End Violence (formerly Interim Place)
- For Youth Initiative
- Indus Community Services
- Jane/Finch Community and Family Centre
- Jewish Family and Child Service
- JVS Toronto Unknown
- Planned Parenthood Toronto
- Rexdale Women's Centre
- Roots Community Services
- Scarborough Centre for Healthy Communities
- Sistering-A Woman’s Place
- Strides Toronto
- The Neighbourhood Group Community Services
- Tropicana Community Services
- West Neighbourhood House
- WoodGreen Community Services
- Working Women Community Centre
- Youthlink
HUNGER DOESN’T WAIT, AND NEITHER DO WE
From meeting essential needs like food, housing and mental health, to rising up to meet emerging challenges when crisis hits, to ensuring a strong social safety net is there when people need it, we’re determined to build a GTA for all. And we’re putting your dollars to work in community to drive maximum impact and real, long-lasting change. Any way we can.
Will you join us in building a brighter tomorrow for the GTA?
United Way works together with local agencies, residents who know their communities best and donors like you. We design solutions that prioritize the people and places who are being left behind. Building community take community, and together, we will build stronger neighbourhoods for everyone who calls the GTA home — today and for the years to come
For more information on the United Way Greater Toronto visit: https://www.unitedwaygt.org/home.
This is what your community support looks like
Wonder what your donation to United Way looks like? These are the stories of people who faced barriers and overcame them, thanks to donors like you.
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.
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.
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.
United Way Annual Report 2024 - 2025
York Cares United Way Impact
We would like to acknowledge our colleagues at the Kellogg-Schulich Executive MBA Office and EMBAce for their incredible efforts in supporting this year’s United Way campaign. Their participation in the United Way Climb Up demonstrated not only their commitment to our community, but also their enthusiasm for coming together to make a meaningful impact. We’re grateful for their leadership, teamwork, and dedication to helping raise vital funds for United Way.
