The cool autumn air and bright fall colours that begin to decorate our landscape signal my favourite time of year. I enjoy Thanksgiving because it is a time for reflection—a chance to pause and appreciate life’s many gifts.
Every year, I look forward to sitting at the table with my daughters, surrounded by family and friends. I will be thankful for their health, their laughter, and their presence. I am also deeply thankful for the work I get to do every day at United Way Halton & Hamilton—a role that fulfills me in ways I never imagined. It’s a great feeling to get to be a part of such an amazing team.
Our campaign theme this year, “United in ACTION,” couldn’t be more fitting for this Thanksgiving season. The challenges our community has faced since the pandemic and the economic downturn have only made us more grateful for things we might have otherwise taken for granted. The sense of belonging, the strength we find in each other, and the resilience of our community are what sustain us.
Thanks to the incredible generosity of community members like you, we raised $12.5 million last year. These funds have been reinvested into a network of support and programs that bring relief to the most vulnerable in our community. I’m so grateful that we’re supporting 22 brand new agencies this year. This translates to more support for families, empowerment for children and youth, and support for adults and seniors.
Families like *Anastasia’s.
After fleeing their home country due to war, Anastasia and her two children found refuge with her brother in Oakville. Her children, *Anna and *Danilo, faced challenges adapting to their new environment, especially Danilo, who spoke no English and struggled to adjust to school. Connecting with a United Way Halton & Hamilton-supported agency, HIPPY Halton, became a turning point for them.
A home visitor provided educational resources that helped Anna improve her communication skills and assisted Danilo in learning English. Over time, Danilo adjusted to school, made new friends, and began enjoying his life in Oakville. Anastasia credits the program for helping her family integrate into Canadian life, improve their English, and build a brighter future.
Your support for United Way made this vital assistance possible, ensuring that families like Anastasia’s can thrive in their new community.
So, from all of us at United Way Halton & Hamilton, I want to express our deep gratitude to our community—our donors, volunteers, and partners. You are the backbone of our mission. You inspire us, you stand with us, and you help us ensure that everyone in our community has the opportunity to reach their full potential.
But as we give thanks, let’s also remember that our work is far from over. We know that over 61% of United Way-supported programs are experiencing a higher demand for services. More people than ever need our help, and we can only meet these needs through a collective effort.
This Thanksgiving, I invite you to join us in taking action. This year, we’re on a mission to raise another $12.5 million dollars, to help sustain all of the programs helping our community’s most vulnerable. I’m particularly thankful this year for the Local Love Community Match, which is amplifying the impact of every donation. For every $4 given, $1 is being matched by a generous group of community members and local organizations. This means that your support goes even further, making an even bigger difference in the lives of those who need it most.
Whether through a donation, volunteering your time, or simply spreading the word, your involvement makes all the difference.
Last year, by standing shoulder to shoulder, we were able to support thousands of individuals and families across our community.
This year, let’s do even more. Let’s come together, United in ACTION, to ensure that everyone in our community can enjoy safety, health, and opportunity.
From all of us at United Way Halton Hamilton, Happy Thanksgiving!
Brad Park
President and CEO
United Way Halton & Hamilton
*Names have been changed to protect personal privacy.
