HALTON & HAMILTON, April 11, 2025 – United Way Halton & Hamilton brought the community together for a night of impact, recognition, and celebration at this year’s Evening of Celebration, themed Lights, Camera, United in ACTION. The annual event, held at the Burlington Convention Centre, honoured donors, community partners, and organizations who contributed to the $12.1 million dollars raised to support critical social programs across Halton and Hamilton.
The event was co-hosted by Lohifa Pogoson Acker, a consultant, business owner, hair artist, and speaker dedicated to community empowerment, alongside Chris Mai, former Weather Network personality and current media teacher. Claude DeMone, Regional President of RBC’s Southwestern Ontario region and United Way’s 2024-25 Campaign Cabinet Chair, was also in attendance as United Way officially introduced its new 2025-26 Campaign Cabinet Chair, Carrie Fletcher, Vice President, People, Culture & Diversity at St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton and Vice President, Human Resources at St. Joseph’s Health System.
“This year has been incredibly difficult for so many people in our community, and yet, we continue to see an outpouring of generosity and commitment from individuals, businesses, and organizations who truly care,” said Brad Park, President & CEO of United Way Halton & Hamilton. “Thanks to our donors, $12.1 million dollars will go directly into programs that provide essential services—helping people access food, housing, mental health resources, and other critical supports they need to move forward. We are deeply grateful to every person who contributed.”
This year’s campaign was launched during a time of unprecedented economic uncertainty, rising costs, and global instability, all of which continue to drive an increased demand for social services. Our community continues to face challenges and the need for stability is greater than ever. United Way remains a trusted and dependable source of support, working tirelessly to ensure essential services are there for those who need them most.
“The road ahead is uncertain, and we are heading into uncharted territory,” Park continued. “We are facing a combination of economic pressures, growing needs across all communities, and political and geopolitical factors that make it difficult to plan ahead. What we do know is that the need for support will only continue to rise, and United Way is committed to ensuring that people in Halton and Hamilton have somewhere to turn to in their time of need.”
This year’s Evening of Celebration recognized the outstanding contributions of individuals and organizations who have gone above and beyond to support their community. The following awards were presented:
- Step Up for the Community Award
- Leading the Way in Philanthropy Award
- The Game Changer Award
- Leading the Way Award
- Champions of Change Award
- Inspiring Local Love Award
- Labour of Love Award
A full list of award winners can be found here.
During the event, United Way premiered its 2025-2026 Impact Video, featuring real stories of community members who have received life-changing support through United Way-funded programs and agency partners. Their inspirational journeys highlight the incredible work being done every day to create lasting change and build a stronger, more resilient community.
As United Way Halton & Hamilton closes out this year’s campaign, it remains focused on mobilizing resources, strengthening community partnerships, and advocating for the most vulnerable members of our community.
