United Way Greater Toronto

As we embark on a 10-year ambition to transform the GTA into a region where everyone can thrive, we are thrilled to launch our new campaign: Any way we can. Four simple words that mean so much. A promise to do whatever it takes, with all the tools in our toolbox, to fight local poverty and ensure everyone, in every neighbourhood, has everything they need to build a good life. It will not be easy, but fueled by the power of community, we will strengthen essential services, scale innovative solutions, and secure community spaces so they are there, close to home to meet urgent and emerging needs. Together, with grit and fierce determination, we will roll up our sleeves and build a stronger GTA for all, where everyone can thrive. #AnyWayWeCan 💌 Learn more about our new campaign https://bit.ly/3Bf5Zw1

184+ women & girls were killed violently in Canada in 2022. As we mark the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, we urge the Ontario government to adopt Bill 173 and recognize intimate partner violence as an epidemic. We must prioritize the safety of women and gender-diverse people and end the violence. Read our call to action: https://bit.ly/48seqRp #EndGBV

Donald K. Johnson, O.C, is a long-time supporter of United Way, standing with us year after year with unwavering commitment and a deep care for community. Learn why Don feels so strongly about giving back to his community and why he’s made a $10 million commitment over 10 years to help us fight poverty, and is inspiring others to give too, through the 2024 Donald K. Johnson Major Gift Challenge Grant. https://bit.ly/3B0D7Ih

Wondering why community service providers like food banks & job centers are closing? Since 2020 Toronto industrial rent has jumped 100% while commercial rent is up 67%. Food banks, job centres, immigrant service providers and others have been displaced at alarming rates. But there's hope! To combat these non-profit displacements (who are often in industrial/commercial zoned space) United Way Greater Toronto is buying $100M of property to keep needed community orgs operating. The best way to avoid rent increases is to own your property - I'm glad United Way is making a generational investment in this idea. It'll provide Torontonians with a stronger social fabric and access to safety nets we may all need at some point or another in our lives. 🔗 - https://lnkd.in/gC-bQ-nA

New data released this week shows 1.4 million children living in poverty across Canada, a sharp rise over the past 2 years. Anita Stellinga, VP of Communications & Public Policy at United Way Greater Toronto shares the impact of and fresh approaches to helping families in poverty with Lianne Castelino 👉 https://buff.ly/3XT9Czy #parenting #poverty 

The biggest round of applause for our brilliant climbers, these community champions laced their shoes, showed up and conquered 144 flights, 1,776 steps of the CN Tower - all in support of community and with big smiles. We are so thankful to all of them. The weekend of Nov. 9 & 10, we saw over 6,300 climbers that joined us at #ClimbUP2024 and we cannot wait to see you all next year.❤️ #UP4Community

This week, I had the honor of representing Times Change Women's Employment Service as a panelist at the RBC Advancement of Women in Leadership event, supported by United Way Greater Toronto. It was an incredible opportunity to speak about ElevateHer, the program I lead; a three-year WAGE / FEGC funded initiative dedicated to advancing women in the workplace; as well as the broader work of Times Change Women's Employment Service, as a feminist collective organization in Toronto. I highlighted our innovative approaches and strategies to empower women and foster leadership in Canadian workplaces. The panel discussion was truly inspiring, and I was fortunate to join exceptional leaders like Anita Carroll from ACCES Employment and Agapi Gessesse, Executive Director of CEE Centre for Young Black Professionals . Together, we explored actionable strategies to promote mentorship, sponsorship, and systemic change to create equitable opportunities for women across sectors. A heartfelt thank you to Daphne Turfus for hosting this impactful event and to all the participants for engaging in such meaningful and thought-provoking conversations. #WomenInLeadership #ElevateHer #TimesChange #AdvancingWomen #MentorshipSponsorship

Today is #NationalHousingDay.🏘️ Housing is a human right, but for many, it's out of reach. From rising rents to discrimination, the housing crisis is real, and marginalized communities are hit the hardest. But here at United Way, we’re not backing down to these challenges. We’re rolling up our sleeves to tackle them head-on—partnering on the development of supportive housing, funding critical programs, and driving change through research and advocacy. Together, we work to build a GTA where everyone has a safe place to call home. Any way we can. To learn more about how we’re making an impact and our work👇 https://lnkd.in/gczdfKth

“At United Way, we know that the equitable neighbourhoods and communities we work towards are only achievable if people are able to enjoy financial stability along with housing stability, access to services and opportunities to engage in shaping their communities. That’s why we support the Ontario Living Wage Network as a funder and lead by example as one of 867 workplaces that pay at least a Living Wage across 636 certified employers in the province.” - Our VP of Corporate Communications and Public Policy, Anita Gupta Stellinga. Continue reading: https://lnkd.in/dCQr_cwc

#GivingTuesday, the world’s largest generosity movement, is two weeks away on December 3. If you are looking to give, consider donating to United Way Greater Toronto.  This organization is at the forefront in fighting poverty, and needs our help. The GTA is facing an urgent reality: one in every four families lives in poverty. Every dollar you give will be matched, doubling the support to communities across Toronto, Peel, and York. #DoGood #Donate