Labour Day is more than just a holiday. It is a yearly reminder of how collective action and unity can positively transform our communities.
At United Way Halton & Hamilton, we wholeheartedly share the Labour movement’s mission to build strong, inclusive and safe communities for all.
With this mission in mind, our campaign theme for this year is United in ACTION. This theme is a recognition that fostering a more equitable society is only possible by collaborating with critical partners such as the Labour community. United in ACTION is more than just working together; it’s about turning compassion into action, ensuring no one is left behind, and creating lasting change.
United Way’s relationship with Labour has flourished for nearly a century, forming the backbone of our efforts to address social issues and support communities in Halton and Hamilton.
As United Way has grown and evolved, Labour has been there every step of the way, advocating for workers’ rights, fair wages, and safe working conditions. This enduring partnership is rooted in a shared understanding that workers are the heart of a thriving community.
United Way and Labour have worked hand in hand through various programs and activism over the years to promote social justice and equitable treatment for all workers. We’ve seen firsthand how members of our communities, facing barriers to secure and dignified employment, have benefited from this collaboration.
By teaming up with Labour organizations such as the Hamilton and District Labour Council and the Oakville and District Labour Council among others, United Way has been able to connect people to safe and stable employment through job training and skills development programs.
Some of the successful joint initiatives include providing food and reading programs for kids, raising awareness on gender-based violence, and supporting unemployed workers and seniors through financial literacy, food insecurity, isolation, and mental health programs.
The Labour community is also taking a leading role in implementing our Period Promise program that seeks to improve access to menstrual products in common spaces.
This collective effort not only protects the rights and welfare of workers, but enables them to achieve economic stability and personal growth.
But that’s just half of it!
We have also come to depend on the support of Labour organizations for their critical workplace campaigns, sponsorships, and participation in our fundraising events. It’s no overstatement to say Labour has strengthened United Way’s capacity to address social service needs effectively.
Looking to the future, we are excited about new collaborations and programs with Labour designed to support workers and their families. Some of the initiatives seek to address housing insecurity, family and health care, unemployment insurance, and access to essential services, among other important causes.
Our collaborations with Labour are yielding positive results for the community, but we certainly cannot do it alone. United in ACTION with YOU, we can make this region a better place to live for everyone.
Wondering where to start? Register for one of our upcoming events and initiatives at uwhh.ca. There are so many to choose from: Annual UPS Plane Pull, golf tournaments, Women United, just to mention a few. While on our website, you can also find volunteer opportunities and donate to ensure critical programs and services continue to reach our most vulnerable neighbours across Halton and Hamilton.
The partnership between United Way Halton & Hamilton and the Labour community is not just significant; it’s essential to our mission. Our shared commitment to creating a stronger, more resilient community through united action drives everything we do.
We all owe a debt of gratitude to the Labour movement for helping ensure rights that benefit all workers and their unwavering support and collaboration over the years.
Your dedication and hard work inspire us and give us hope for the future. United in ACTION, we will continue to make meaningful progress and create a better, more equitable society for everyone.
Happy Labour Day.
With gratitude,
Brad Park
President & CEO
United Way Halton & Hamilton
